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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NSC urges DOJ to consider legal action vs Alvarez over 'seditious' remarks

NSC urges DOJ to consider legal action vs Alvarez over 'seditious' remarks

Published Apr 17, 2024 05:56 am

The National Security Council (NSC) called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review the alleged "seditious" statements made by former House Speaker and incumbent Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez which could lead to the possible filing of criminal charges.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said that Alvarez, a close political ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, "severely underestimated the professionalism and integrity" of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) when he rallied them to withdraw their support for President Marcos.

"Any call for withdrawal of support when done by a public official, more so one that is also a high-ranking reservist officer, is not only irresponsible but also illegal and unconstitutional. It erodes the very foundation of our democratic institutions and undermines the supremacy of civilian authority over the military," Año said in a statement on Wednesday, April 17.

The NSA said that Alvarez' remarks can be construed as "seditious or rebellious".

As such, Año said the DOJ should "thoroughly review this matter and consider appropriate legal actions against Rep. Alvarez and others similarly situated."

In a highly-emotional speech during a prayer rally in Tagum City over the weekend, Alvarez expressed concern about the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea involving the government and China.

At one point, Alvarez encouraged the military and police to abandon Marcos and turn their backs on the government so the Commander-in-Chief would be forced to step down and de-escalate the tension.

The Department of National Defense (DND) and AFP have rejected Alvarez' call.

The Philippine Navy (PN) also launched an investigation to determine if there is a sufficient basis to delist Alvarez from the reservist force of the Philippine Marine Corps.

Alvarez has a rank of Colonel (Res.) in the Marines' reservist force.

For his part, Alvarez denied making seditious remarks as he claimed he only made those statements in a fit of emotion. He further clarified that his statements were covered by the freedom of speech.

But Año advised Alvarez to spare the AFP and PNP from politics.

"In a democratic society such as ours, the armed forces are neutral and apolitical, serving the interests of the nation as a whole. The AFP and PNP shall continue to remain above petty partisan, political, or personal interests," the NSA said.

"Rep. Alvarez, and others who may be similarly inclined, should not drag such respected institutions to serve their partisan agenda or self-interest, even if such calls are made, as he claimed, in a fit of emotion," he added.

Related Tags

Pantaleon Alvarez Eduardo Año National Security Adviser National Security Council
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