FORMER President Rodrigo Roa Duterte clarified that there is no animosity between him and former Senator and now President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. amid controversies surrounding the People’s Initiative (PI).
Earlier, Duterte dropped names, saying that the individuals behind the controversial initiative are President Marcos himself, First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte advised the Marcos administration to steer clear of the issue, and stressed the potential consequences of involving themselves in the matter.
The former President previously suggested that the prolonged stay in power or position might be the true motivation behind those advocating for charter change through the PI.
And this statement sparked heated exchanges between supporters of Marcos and Duterte.
“Let’s not fight. I’d like to urge everybody, don’t engage in conflict because President Marcos and I are not in conflict. I’m just telling him, don’t get involved in [People’s Initiative]. If he doesn’t pursue it, happy days are here again. Just avoid that because it’s really not suitable for Filipinos,” according to Former President Roa Rodrigo Duterte.
“Tell them, and just be content. Enjoy the remaining years of your presidency. Don’t stir up trouble, or you might end up like Marcos, Sr.,” Duterte added.
He also questioned the actions of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and told them about accepting unverified signatures without proper verification.
“As for COMELEC, you better shape up. Why do you keep accepting, for what purpose? I ask you… Will you file it? What is the legal purpose of accepting the unverified signatures submitted by the congressman or their men who were paid p100?” he stated.
“You know, COMELEC, if you use money and bribe a Filipino to sign a document, that is bribery. That is fraud. We might all end up in jail or chaos may ensue. Remember that,” he said.
Former Pres. Duterte to file petition in Supreme Court to halt People’s Initiative
Duterte also revealed his plans to file a petition in the Supreme Court to permanently stop the PI, claiming that those behind it are squandering public funds to maintain their positions.
“Well, it becomes hazy. Romualdez has been giving money right away in preparation to avoid any issues when it comes to signatures. But you have to contend with the supreme court because I am planning to file a petition in the supreme court as a lawyer. Others might not find it easy. We’re all interconnected here,” he added
“This is our nation— my nation, your nation. Will you allow that? If i didn’t rally, you know, these *** they’re doing?” he said.
Despite COMELEC’s halt in accepting signatures, Duterte stressed the need to monitor the situation to ensure that the PI does not proceed.
“So, let us see what develops. How sincere is this stoppage? If it takes a toll, that’s all we have. They should just stop. It will stop the hemorrhage. It’s not good. They’re just there– you three decide to shift into a parliamentary system because this Congress, they can be bought. And these *** are allowing that,” former President said.
Duterte also reflected on the unlikelihood of pushing for constitutional changes at the moment due to what he calls as sporadic rebellion happening in the country.
“Well, to be prudent about it, I constituted a commission. They said it is not the right time. It is not the right time to do it because there are sporadic rebellions. If you pursue this, they might continue with the separation,” he stated.
