BY GENALYN KABILING
President Duterte declared on Tuesday that he is not involved in the proposed establishment of the revolutionary government.
In his televised public address, the President has denied links to the group espousing the revolutionary government that he will supposedly lead.
“Marami ngayon may naglalabas — revolutionary government. Tapos ako ang sinasabi na… Wala akong pakialam niyan, wala akong kilala na mga tao na ‘yan at hindi ko ‘yan trabaho (There are reports about the proposed revolutionary government and that I will supposedly lead… I don’t care about that. I don’t know any of the people and that’s not my job),” Duterte said.
Duterte made the remarks a few days after a group of supporters made a fresh pitch for establishment of a revolutionary government supposedly to facilitate the shift to federalism. The group reportedly held an assembly in Clark freeport last weekend and proposed that Duterte will lead therevolutionary government until the end of his term.
Malacañang has kept distance from the revolutionary government proposal, saying the government is focused on mitigating the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the proponents have a right to express their opinion but he maintained that President is the constitutionally elected of the country. He also explained that any proposed constitutional reforms such as federalism can be pursued through Constitutional Convention (Con-Con), Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) or people’s initiative.
Roque also rejected speculations the President may extend his stay in power, saying term extension is farthest from Duterte’s mind. (Genalyn Kabiling)
