DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte has criticized the government for violating the Bill of Rights by limiting freedom of speech in the nationwide Hakbang ng Maisug prayer rallies.
DUTERTE (PDP-Laban FB)
“Even you (the media), do not be offended, freedom of the press? It doesn’t exist today because it is controlled and censored,” Duterte said in a press conference in Tacloban City on Sunday.
Duterte noticed that news reporting has become selective. He said that if a news organization finds a story unfit, they will either cut or not publish it at all.
“It is not tightly controlled, but your work is already adulterated. It is sad to say that what comes out in the media is already polluted. It is not like before that was truly freewheeling,” said Duterte who aired these comments following the cancellation of the Hakbang ng Maisug prayer rallies in several cities like Tacloban and Bulacan.
He said that the primary objective of these prayer rallies is to express the people's grievances rather than initiate a government overthrow which Duterte said is unlikely to happen.
“Let me be very clear about it. The Hakbang ng Maisug does not call for the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It does not call for his resignation. It does not call for any,” Duterte said.
He also said that the prayer rally was not directed against House Speaker Martin Romualdez or any specific government official. He added that he has no ill will towards the administration.
The former Chief Executive acknowledged that every administration, without exception, has shortcomings.
Duterte said he has concerns he wishes to raise and receive attention. He hopes the people’s voices will be heard, ensuring the government understands their sentiments.
“We want to rally, but if you would not give us the permit, we will not insist. We aim to tell people what isn’t coming out in the media,” Duterte said.
“As a former mayor and a president, that’s what I see from a distance. It makes me sad. But if it is live like this (the press conference), it is better as people can listen (to everything),” he added.
Duterte said he only wants Marcos to work in his office for six years because he was elected by the people, and he is paid to do his responsibilities as president.
“You work because people elected you. We pay you. Do not worry because nobody and nobody is interested in removing you from your post,” the former President said, referring to Marcos.
Duterte said he prayed for Marcos to live until the end of his term, especially since he does not want Vice President Sara Duterte to become president. He is also not interested in the position.
“You (Marcos) work there. Do it for the people of the country. After six years, let the people give you the verdict whether or not you are worth the votes,” Duterte said.
The Hakbang ng Maisug peace rally was held on Sunday in Quezon City and multiple locations throughout the Philippines and abroad.