By Fernan Angeles
DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana might pay dearly for expressing no support to the supposed call for a revolutionary government by staunch supporters of President Duterte who appointed him to where he is now.
“We do not support them,” said Lorenzana when newsmen sought for his reaction over the supposed meeting of the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte – National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD-NECC) supposedly to discuss the proposed revolutionary government.
Lorenzana likewise confirmed receiving an invitation through Viber.
Aside from the Defense Secretary, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Gamboa also confirmed receiving an invitation to the meeting.
“Yes, I have read it in the Viber. It’s supposed to be set yesterday but I am still trying to search for the communication kasi personally hindi pa umabot sa akin,” Gamboa said.
“Anyway tapos na ‘yung supposed to be set na meeting. So titingnan ko kung ano ang magiging action nila kasi nga hindi natuloy ‘yun,” he added.
San Beda Graduate School of Law dean Fr. Ranhilio Aquino categorically hinted at the revolutionary government as no less than another attempt to push Charter change.
“I think they want Charter change principally for term extension, lifting term limits, or postponing the elections. I think that’s the main purpose,” Aquino said.
“What they want talaga is do away with all the barriers na humahadlang sa mga plans nila, kaya revolutionary government ang pinag-uusapan nila,” he added.
Back in 2016, then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, a candidate for President, said he is planning to form a revolutionary government if elected into the highest office.
The following year, he warned to declare a revolutionary government in case “destabilization” moves by his critics, particularly the Left, continue and start slipping into chaos.
Just last year, the President again issued a new threat to declare a revolutionary war, during which he would have his critics arrested, if he was “pushed to the wall.”
However, Vice President Leni Robredo went vocal and stated that Duterte will be violating the Constitution and abandon his post as Chief Executive in the event that he will declare a revolutionary government.