Sen. Ralph Recto: 'Change priorities, not regimes'

MANILA, Philippines — No need for regime change, only a refocusing of government priorities.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto made the statement yesterday as he called on the Duterte administration to learn how to handle criticism as this helps government officials serve the people better.

“People should rally behind the President and let him finish a term he won fair and square. There is no need for a regime change, only a refocusing of government priorities. It must re-pivot to the gut issues of jobs, prices, income,” Recto said.

“Extremism in defense of one’s position does not encourage productive civil discourse. When the message is blurred by a tit-for-tat of coarse language, the free exchange of ideas hampers democratic dialogue needed to forge public policy,” he added.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) should maintain its allegiance to the Constitution and to the people amid the laws passed for the benefit of military personnel.

Lacson pointed out the measures providing for the AFP’s modernization are the work of the Senate as an institution representing the people.

“More than who authored the bills, the members of the AFP can best show their appreciation by serving the country and the Filipino people,” he said.

Lacson, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1971, said the passage of such laws benefiting the AFP is not just a matter of authoring bills, but also taking part in other stages, including holding committee hearings and sponsoring the measure.

Lacson cited the Revised AFP Modernization Act (Republic Act 10349), which stemmed not only from the efforts of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, but Recto and himself as well.

He also presided over several committee hearings on the matter, along with Sen. Gregorio Honasan, a former rebel military officer.

The AFP, on the other hand, appealed for public calm amid reported sightings of armored personnel carriers in the streets and helicopters hovering over Metro Manila.

There is no cause for alarm,” AFP spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

Arevalo gave assurance that movements of military vehicles are normal and “properly coordinated” without compromising operational security. – With Jaime Laude