By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that President Duterte was probably just airing his frustrations when he said that he prefers a junta to lead the country if he will be ousted by the military.
DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año made the statement after Duterte said that he prefers a junta to over Vice President Leni Robredo leading the country.
DILG officer-in-charge (OIC) Eduardo M. Año
(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez / MANILA BULLETIN)
Año told Malacañang reporters that Duterte was probably only saying what was in his hear when he made such remark.
"Inilabas niya lang 'yung kanyang nasa loob (He's just saying what he's been keeping inside). It's about what you say thinking aloud. At hindi naman ibig sabihin noon ay (And it doesn't mean that) he's encouraging the military to put up a junta, hindi naman (not really)," he said.
"'Yun eh mga litany ni (That is just one of the litanies of the) President to emphasize something, like for example, the corruption, the drugs. Para i-emphasize lang talaga niya na, ito 'yung gusto niyang matapos sa term niya (Just to point-out that he really wants to end it during his term)," he added.
Año said that at the DILG, their job is about transforming Duterte's guidance into actions so they can accomplish his objectives.
"Ini-emphasize niya talaga 'yung gaano kalaki ang problema, and of course kami 'yung enforcement (He is just emphasizing how big the problem is, and of course we) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), isa lang ibig sabihin 'nun (it only means one thing): we have to do more," he said.
"We have to, kumbaga marami pa kaming dapat gawin (we have more work to do)," he added.
Año the said that there is no existing condition that would prompt a coup, a junta, or a military takeover. He said that government forces is contented with Duterte's leadership.
"Walang ganyang sitwasyon (There is no such situation). Even in the Armed Forces, in the PNP (Philippine National Police), everyone is happy, lalo na nadoble ang sweldo nila (especially after their salaries were doubled) and everything is provided by the President," he said.
"Kahit hindi mo pa hinihingi, para sa performance ng work mo, binigay niya (Even if you're not asking for it, as long as it is for your work, he will give it). Health care and equipment as well as incentives," he added.
"So there's no alibi for us to fail in our mission," he continued.