LP not planning to oust Duterte, says former President Aquino

Former President Benigno Aquino III on Monday dismissed allegations that his Liberal Party was out to destabilize the current administration and ultimately oust his successor, President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Wala kami pina-plano na ganyan,” Aquino told reporters. “Sa lahat ng nangyayari dito, kung maganda ang ginagawa niya, hindi magtatagumpay ang mga ganyan. Pero kung hindi tama ang mga nangyayari, hindi natutupad ang mga pinangako, hindi maintindihan ang sinasabi, yan ang nagki-create ng dissatsifaction. Hindi sa amin nagsisimula yun. Baka kailangang tumingin sila sa paligid nila.”

[We’re not planning anything like that. Everything that’s happening here, if what he’s doing is OK, that won plan won’t succeed. But if what has been happening is not OK, if promises are not being kept, if what’s being can’t be understood, that’s what will create dissatisfaction. That won’t start with us. Perhaps they should look at the people around them.]

Aquino gave an interview to reporters after the mass held at the Manila Memorial Park for the 85th birth anniversary of his father, assassinated opposition leader, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr.

Just like his father, the former President has always been a Liberal. He is now the party’s chairman emeritus after he stepped down from office in June 2016.

Aquino also said that he found no reason for Duterte to declare a revolutionary government.

Duterte has lately been mentioning the idea of a revolutionary government, at times thinking of declaring it, and on other occasions, disparaging the idea itself.

It is uncertain what exactly is Duterte’s stand.

However, he has also mentioned that the “yellows” – referring to the Liberal Party and the previous Aquino administration – are among those who want to oust him.

The former President, however, said a revolutionary government could be established only after a complete system failure where government could no longer carry out its functions.

“Pinadarama pa ngayon kung gaano kalakas ang executive branch,” Aquino said, referring to the power and influence being wielded by his successor. /atm