DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, in a speech filled with strong language reminiscent of his father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, called for the resignation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in the Hakbang ng Maisug Forum at Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City on Sunday, January 28.
MAYOR Sebastian Duterte calls for the resignation of President Marcos in a speaking engagement in Davao City on Sunday, January 28. (Ivy Tejano)
"Mr. President, kung wala kay gugma ug aspiration sa nasud, resign (if you do not have love and aspiration for the country, just resign)," Mayor Duterte said as he expressed dismay over the country's current status, particularly the reported proliferation of illegal drugs and various crime incidents not only here but also nationwide.
Mayor Duterte recalled that when his father was the president, there was a clear campaign against illegal drugs and criminality. He said after his father completed his term, people involved in unlawful activities returned to business.
"Na-anticipate ko talaga sa pagbaba niya (FPRRD), there will be a resurgence of illegal activities kasi for six years hindi sila makagalaw. May rubber band effect talaga. These syndicates walang ibang alam kundi gumawa ng krimen. In less than a year makita ninyo mga police, naka-uniporme, mga nasa Senado, anong issue? Droga," Mayor Duterte said.
Mayor Duterte discussed before guests and focal leaders in the forum the present instability in the country.
He could not help but compare the difference between the previous and the current governance.
He said it is the Chief Executive's responsibility to update the people on what is happening in the country.
Mayor Duterte discussed the city's big-ticket projects, such as the modernization of transportation (the bus system) and the Waste to Energy (WTE), which the city government wants here but cannot fund because aside from being expensive, there is instability going on among the leaders of the country.
"May instability ngayon, ang Congress at Vice President then ang Senate. Ngayon, unsa man ni (What now)? Why not fix it since this has been going on for almost a year? Kung ikaw na sa position unya mas mulabaw ang gugma nimo sa imong kaugalingon ingon ani gyud mahitabo (You are in the position, but if you only care for yourself, this is what will happen, chaos)," Mayor Duterte said.
"You know the previous administration. It was successful. Since the country's citizens voted you for the presidency, it is your responsibility to maintain and keep up with what the former President has started. But we do not see the progress in your administration," he added.
Mayor Duterte said the president has every opportunity, power, and authority to fix what is broken. “What is the point of hierarchy if he cannot fix what is broken? He better resign if he cannot deliver his responsibility as president.”