DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte denied speculations about secret gatherings with specific members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police and politicians to destabilize the Marcos administration.
NO destabilization plot against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., former President Duterte said on Saturday in Davao City. (Presidential photo)
“Sinong g***** police at military makipag-meeting sa akin (Who among the police and military would be foolish enough to meet me) to destabilize the Marcos’s administration? They must be crazy,” Duterte said in a press conference with Davao-based media on Saturday night, January 6.
Duterte said whoever made such speculations has insecurities. He added that he has no reasons to subvert the administration as he is comfortable with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his ways of handling matters as Chief Executive.
The 78-year-old former President said there are people outside the administration who are used to historically corrupt agencies but he did not identify them because he does not want to make accusations without proof.
As to Marcos, there is no need for a change, he added.
“I haven’t seen any major errors and concerns, including corruption or abuse. Marcos is heading to a straight path. It is all in the mind. Why would I bother to tinker with these things?” the former President said, adding that he could have done this when he was still the nation’s leader.
Duterte maintained he was content with what he attained during his presidency and what he had done for the country, his family, and himself. He added that he already had his days of fun and glory and had no plans of running again for a government position.
“There are a lot of s***** people around. They say, they say. Why should I replace him (Marcos), and who am I to replace him now? I had time to be there and contribute to my country, and I am through with it. I cannot actively participate in politics,” Duterte said.
Duterte had considered running for either vice president or senator if his daughter, Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Z. Duterte, faces impeachment.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. affirmed the organization’s dedication to its responsibility as the “protectors of the nation’s sovereignty and champions of democratic principles” amid rumors of destabilization against the current administration.
PNP chief Police Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. echoed Brawner. Acorda said the PNP fully supports the government.