FORMER President Rodrigo Roa Duterte once again expressed gratitude to the Filipino people for electing him as president to serve the nation.
This was his opening message during his attendance at the “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” Prayer Rally at Bonifacio Square in Manila on Tuesday.
In his speech, FPRRD also made a veiled reference to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the administration’s push for Charter Change or the amendment of the Constitution.
Duterte revealed that former President Ferdinand Marcos Senior was the first to meddle with the Constitution, and, surprisingly, after a few decades, the second person wanting to amend the constitution is is son, President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Junior.
“A this is our Constitution. The first one who meddled with it— changed it several times, was Marcos, believe it or not. After a few decades, the second person who wants to tamper with our Constitution [is also a Marcos],” Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte stated.
President Bongbong Marcos Jr, had already agreed to amend the Constitution, ensuring that only economic provisions would be altered.
However, former President Duterte believes that once the constitution is amended, it is not far-fetched that other provisions will be changed as well.
Alleged target of Marcos Administration: term extension through proposed Cha-Cha—FPRRD
FPRRD insists that the true goal of the current administration is term extension, and that the Marcos administration’s reasons for wanting to change provisions in the Constitution are just excuses.
“The Constitution during which Marcos was elected was, the same thing, one term, six years. These are just excuses, like what Marcos’s father did, their real goal is term extension.”
“So, if the [current] Constitution is to be amended, only one thing will happen, Marcos’s term will be extended, just like what his father did, he will also do it,” he added.
Former President Duterte called the planned term extension a disgrace. He also criticized the circulating People’s Initiative or PI, pointing to House Speaker Martin Romualdez as the alleged instigator.
The government’s assistance is also reportedly being used to gather signatures from people for the supposed People’s Initiative.
Former President Duterte explained the current administration’s maneuver, saying the Marcos administration aims to transform the Philippines into a parliamentary form of government.
“Now, they want the Congress, they will dissolve it and make it a parliament. The one who votes or becomes prime minister, the term will no longer be president, it will be prime minister. The assemblymen or congressmen now, you can no longer vote. Nada. No more,” he stated.
FPRRD urged Filipinos to stand firm and to not be deceived by the circulating signatures or People’s Initiative and to reject term extensions.
“So, don’t let it happen, even if your hands melt. Never, ever agree to let this happen. Don’t agree to that nonsense. Filipinos will be ruined. You would lose your direct vote,” he stated.