MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is open to the idea of abolishing Congress if ever President Rodrigo Duterte declares a revolutionary government.
The proposal to declare a revolutionary government is not new as Duterte had already mentioned it in his campaign for the presidency, Alvarez said in an interview with radio dzMM Friday.
"Halimbawa dadating tayo sa panahon na 'yun at kinakailangan talaga, pwede naman tayo magsakripisyo," Alvarez said when asked about the possibility of abolishing Congress.
"Mas gustuhin ko 'yun... para wala nang trabaho," he joked.
Alvarez added that Duterte's victory in the May 2016 national elections can be considered as proof that the Filipino people are in favor of a revolutionary government as the president had suggested it.
"Ang sabi niya gagawin niya ang tunay na pagbabago sa bansa at kung ito ay hindi niya magagawa dahil maraming humaharang, 'yung option ng revolutionary ay nandodoon," the speaker said.
Duterte had made confusing statements on the possibility of declaring a revolutionary government.
Last month, the president threatened that he would declare a revolutionary government to counter supposed threats to his administration. Duterte, however, also told the military to ignore talks about a revolutionary government.
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