FORMER President Rodrigo Roa Duterte clarified on the program “Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa” with Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy that he does not know how he got involved in the issue of a destabilization plot against the Marcos administration.
The former president shared that when he met with the retired generals, they only discussed the issue of corruption in the country’s institutions, and they did not talk about anything else.
This issue emerged following reports that the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. was allegedly misquoted in his statement regarding those planning to remove the president from his position.
“I really do not know how I was dragged into this. But you know, as a former employee of the government, I remember talking to some of the retired generals.”
“What I was saying there, among others, but the really important point in my discussion was; that as long as there is no serious issue of corruption.”
“And as a former president, the retired generals— maybe they have quoted me like that. But as I’ve said, bring it out in the open. When we talk about coups or changing the government by force, discuss it openly so there is no doubt,” Duterte added.
FPRRD offers advice to Marcos admin regarding corruption
According to the former President, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should be aware of the government institutions filled with corruption so that he can address the issue promptly.
Meanwhile, Duterte stated that he could not say whether the current president is corrupt, but he offered advice that President Marcos should give orders to completely eradicate the corrupt elements in the government who continue to misuse the people’s money.
“But the most critical issue really, when there is corruption in the government and it’s rampant, uncontrolled, and unabated (without anyone controlling it), but as long as there is the sense of… At least there’s an Ombudsman, the people, or the president himself, he should know—the president should know because he has, at his disposal, every piece of information that he can use to counter the threats to democracy.”
“So, that’s not a problem. Marcos should know where the weak points are, especially corruption, that’s where he should concentrate,”
“To Marcos, I can’t say anything, I would not say that he is corrupt. But to him only. But I will not, I cannot make any categorical statement for the others.
“Assuming that’s true or not, all he has to do is, or any other government, just say “do not do it,” or if it is a contract amounting to billions, these government-owned corporations. You just say, “send your justification for approving or disapproving a contract.” So I can know if… It’s easy,” FPRRD said.
FPRRD emphasizes corruption as a common cause of planned coup attempts against gov’t
According to Duterte, the issue of a coup is always linked to corruption because it becomes uncontrollable.
Duterte also provided advice that President Marcos can instruct the military regarding this matter.
“But that’s… Talking about a coup or a violent overthrow of government, historically, here it’s always about corruption. Abuse of authority, uncontrolled—those abuses that really won’t be stopped. So, it’s simple, just one word from the president, everyone will believe.
And there’s always the military that he can order to kindly…Because upon his orders, the military can always intervene,” he added.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the AFP clarified that they remain committed to their duty of upholding the constitution and will never be involved in any movement against the government.
