Don’t ignore Alvarez’ statement – Remulla

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said the remarks of former House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez calling on the military to withdraw their support for President Marcos should not be ignored.

“You can’t let it pass because they might get used to it. You do not trivialize the government. You do not trivialize the stability of a democracy. You never do that,” Remulla said in an interview with dzRH.

“What he did is no longer a game. It should never happen. It is an attempt to thwart the people’s will and subvert sovereignty,” he added.

In an earlier statement, the justice secretary said he had already ordered an investigation to determine whether Alvarez’s statements “have risen to the level of sedition, inciting to sedition or even rebellion.”

After his statement drew flak, Alvarez issued an apology, saying he was “only carried away by strong emotions.”

He also said his remarks were not meant to incite sedition.