We’re not subversive, just want reform – Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — It is not the intention of the Hakbang ng Maisug group to topple the government but only to effect change, former president Rodrigo Duterte clarified.

“This would be as good as any other time to tell the President, the military and all. We are not subversive that wants to topple the government and remove (President Ferdinand) Marcos. We just want reform,” Duterte said in Filipino in a recorded message to those who attended the Hakbang ng Maisug prayer rally in Angeles, Pampanga recently.

He also clarified that he is not mad at the government and the President.

“We are not mad at the government. We are not mad at Marcos. We just have grievances that we want to voice out,” Duterte said, adding that it is just his desire for the people to be heard.

“We would ask that we be heard from time to time so that the government would know what the sentiments of the people are. And whether the sentiments are true or not, you just listen,” he said.

“Just the right to be heard. That is what’s important in the Constitution. Period.”

The former president apologized to the people for failing to attend the rally. He explained that he is short of funds.

“I am retired, my money I just keep. I am in retirement, that is my source of sustenance,” he said.?“Sorry I could not go. But would like to congratulate you for your gesture to show to the country and to the world that we have grievances,” he added.

Baste hits Bong Go

The closeness of the relationship of the Dutertes and Sen. Bong Go seems to be showing cracks after Mayor Sebastian Duterte criticized the senator for his silence over the issues hounding Davao City.

Go has been noticeably absent at the Maisug rallies and other public engagements of the former president. He is also mum on the recent issues surrounding Davao City.

“Ikaw Bong Go, you are my kumpare. If I knew it would come to this, I would have not voted for you,” Mayor Duterte said during the Hakbang ng Maisug prayer rally.

“You are in a national position; you should be saying something. It’s obvious, the atrocities that the administration is doing. You should be saying something,” the mayor said.

“You still have time to redeem yourself. Show to us that you will stand by the Filipino people. Show your love, your love for country over your love for yourself because the people are struggling,” he said.

The mayor also said that if Go still wants to run as senator, he should show that “he is one with the Dabawenyos, especially in times like this.”

Go, for his part, said, “I understand the emotions of Mayor Baste.”

“I have served faithfully under his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. Half of my life was spent with him and even until now, I continue to help in my personal capacity, however small, because that is my commitment to him that I will not let him down,” Go said in Filipino in a statement sent to The STAR.

Even after Mayor Duterte’s criticisms, Go said he puts serving the people first.

“I will continue to serve because this is my mandate and what I learned from former president Duterte himself. I will always put first public service, empathy and love for others over myself,” he said.

“One thing is for sure; I love my fellow Filipino – more than myself. That is why I will continuously care for our countrymen,” he added.