No hand in rallies for revolutionary government — Palace

Malacañang yesterday distanced itself from the pro-revolutionary government rally on Nov. 30, saying this was organized by people who want to exercise their freedom of expression. 

“I am not aware of any government directive for anyone in the bureaucracy to join these rallies. These are individuals in the exercise of freedom of expression. So be it,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said. 

He said that while the President has shrugged off calls for him to declare a revolutionary government, this would not stop Duterte supporters from staging a rally.  

“The President has never disallowed any public gathering, pro or against the administration. So why should there be any different policy for a pro-Duterte group that wishes to exercise their freedom of expression? They’re welcome to do so,” Roque stressed. 

In October, Duterte warned of establishing a revolutionary government and declare all state posts vacant if the Philippines plunges into chaos because of efforts to destabilize his administration. 

The opposition criticized the pronouncement, saying Duterte was paranoid and wanted to “annihilate democracy.” 

The President later clarified that he would only set up a revolutionary government if “things go out of control” and the government is in danger of being overthrown violently. He also reiterated that he has no ambition to remain in power because of the difficulties that come with his job.  

Vice President Leni Robredo said she is happy that Duterte finally ended speculations about putting up a revolutionary government, adding that such pronouncements only create unnecessary fear and confusion among the country’s citizens. 

“We’re happy that the President finally spoke about it. Many people are afraid because of speculations that he would declare a revolutionary government… It’s really important that the President himself mentioned that there’s no basis for declaring a revolutionary government,” Robredo said in an interview in San Jose, Nueva Ecija. 

She added various experts have stated that there is no basis for setting up a revolutionary government.

The Vice President stressed that public officials, including herself and the President, should uphold and defend the Constitution. 

Both supporters and opponents of the idea to declare a revolutionary government have set rallies for tomorrow, Bonifacio Day, in Metro Manila and the provinces. 

The critics, led by leftist group Bayan Muna, and their supporters would assemble at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to protest the prospect of what they described as dictatorial rule and later march to Mendiola near Malacañang. – Helen Flores, Jess Diaz, Emmanuel Tupas, Jose Rodel Clapano