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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Mindanao solons hold nothing back, slam Alvarez for asking AFP to abandon Marcos

Mindanao solons hold nothing back, slam Alvarez for asking AFP to abandon Marcos

Published Apr 16, 2024 09:25 am

At A Glance

  • Several lawmakers from Mindanao have said that it was "very irresponsible" of Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to call on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to turn its back on President Marcos.

Pantaleon Alvarez.jpgDavao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez speaking during a political rally in Tagum City, Davao del Norte (Rep. Alvarez's Facebook page)

Several lawmakers from Mindanao have said that it was “very irresponsible” of Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to call on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to turn its back on President Marcos.

Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel, Camiguin lone district Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, and Lanao del Norte 1st district Rep. Khalid Dimaporo were collectively dismayed by Alvarez’s remarks given that he's essentially telling the AFP to betray its mandate.

In a statement, the three congressmen said this may be a step to what can be described as a “power grab”.

“The former House leader seems to be courting trouble for making such a declaration, which is akin to inciting to sedition, or calling citizens to arm themselves and topple a duly-constituted government,” said Pimentel in a statement.

During a political rally in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Alvarez uttered pronouncements that were considered by some of his colleagues in the House of Representatives--and fellow Mindanaoans at that--as “highly-seditious”.

Alvarez, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, said he gave such remarks out of frustration from President Marcos’ handling of issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

He would later retract this call after having been at the receiving end of widespread criticism.

“Pasensya na, nadala rin lang ng bugso ng damdamin,” Alvarez said in a separate statement.

(I'm sorry, I just got carried away by my emotions.)

Romualdo, meanwhile, said that it will be up to the prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assess whether Alvarez deserves an indictment.

Dimaporo, on the other hand, said this could earn the former House Speaker a complaint at the House Committee on Ethics.

The leadership of the AFP recently issued a statement where they vowed to continue supporting the Marcos administration.

“The AFP reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism, loyalty to the Constitution, and strict adherence to the Chain of Command,” said AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla.

“Our duty is to protect the Filipino people and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that peace and development will prevail throughout the nation. We will continue to fulfill these responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and utmost dedication,” she added.

As the sitting President, Marcos is also the commander-in-chief of the AFP.

Related Tags

Pantaleon Alvarez House of Representatives Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) President Marcos
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