Alvarez: Rev gov advocates irresponsible

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, an ally of President Duterte, said the advocates of a revolutionary government (rev gov) are irresponsible for pushing the initiative as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Moreover, this is not the time for such advocacy. It is downright irresponsible especially given the situation we find ourselves in,” Alvarez said.

He said the Philippines is not spared as the world is in the midst of a pandemic.

“Our gross domestic product has plunged and we are in a recession while unemployment numbers have increased. And this is just the beginning. Beyond numbers and statistics, the human toll – of these events – is grave and deep,” Alvarez further said.

He likewise stressed that people are sick, desperate and grieving the loss of loved ones while many are afraid, hungry and rightly feel abandoned.

Alvarez said the establishment of a rev gov does not solve the problems the people are facing now.

“Worst of all, it shows the disconnect, insensitivity, and lack of empathy of those who are calling for such drastic move while many of our countrymen are suffering. It is time for us to set our priorities clearly,” he added.

Alvarez said that it is imperative that both the government and the private sector should work hand in hand to contain and control the public health crisis, extend assistance to the poor and marginalized hardest hit, as well as to jump start the economy.

Alvarez said businesses need to reopen, and at the same time bring people back to work.

He said that pushing for rev gov at this time does not help the Filipino people at all.

The Philippine Bar Association (PBA) warned the people that the government should not ignore the recent call for a revolutionary government that could be intended to erode the rule of law and the Constitution.

PBA cited the danger if there is no immediate action against such movements.

In a short statement, PBA president Jose Perpetuo Lotilla said the government and the people should not allow movements geared toward establishing a revolutionary government to prosper in the country.

They said the gathering at the Clark Freeport last Aug. 22 of supporters of the revolutionary government was just the latest in a series of openly defiant acts that target the duly-constituted government.

“While the true principals have yet to show their faces, their method is already clear – to sow subtle seeds meant to erode the rule of law and the Constitution,” it said. – Evelyn Macairan