There is no need to conduct check the loyalty of the military despite the rumored threat to withdraw support from President Duterte Malacañang said Thursday, April 20.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque noted the President has already offered to leave the post if he would lose the support of the military.
"Absolutely walang (there is no) necessity," Roque said during a televised press briefing Tuesday, when asked if a loyalty check on the military will be conducted.
"Sabi ni Presidente kung ayaw sa kanya ng military, uuwi siya ng Davao (The President said if the military won't back him, he will go home to Davao)," he added.
President Duterte earlier offered to step down if the military would no longer support his government over the West Philippine Sea dispute. Duterte, addressing the nation Monday April 19, said he would instead return home, adding he would "not work where I am not needed."
A group of retired and active military officers reportedly asked the President to speak against China's latest incursion into the West Philippine Sea or else supposedly risk a withdrawal of support. The sentiment of the group, circulated on social media in recent days, stemmed from the unlawful stay of more than 200 Chinese ships in local waters despite Manila's diplomatic protest.
Both Malacañang and the defense department have denied the rumored coup plot against the President, insisting the military remain loyal to the Constitution.
In his televised address Monday, the President broke his silence over the latest territorial row with China but refused to confront Beijing on the matter.
Duterte said he could sail to the West Philippine Sea but "nothing will happen" since the country was "not in possession of the sea." The only way the country can retake the area is through the use of force, Duterte said.
But if China starts to drill oil in the area, Duterte said he would send navy ships to stake a claim on the area.