Duterte: Martial law not feasible, will only divide nation

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Because it is “not feasible” and will only divide the nation, placing the country under martial law is not an option for President Rodrigo Duterte, who has vowed to implement “radical changes” to thwart criminals in and out of government.

“Martial law is not feasible. It won’t work. It won’t work,” the President said on Thursday night in an interview in Lapu-Lapu City, where he inaugurated Terminal 2 of Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

“It’s going to be a divided nation. So, I don’t know if everybody will agree with you. It’s going to divide the nation,” he added.

‘Radical changes’

Mr. Duterte made the remarks a day after he warned that he would impose “radical changes” to combat crime and corruption.

His vague statement caused several sectors to express concern that he might declare martial law all over the country, similar to what the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos did in 1972.

Mr. Duterte told reporters on Thursday he intended to place some government offices “prone to corruption” under the Office of the President.

What made martial law under the Marcos regime “so unpopular were the abuses committed—unbridled, unfettered,” he said.

“That cannot happen in my time. I will not allow it … I will not allow anybody to oppress you. But I will allow free speech to the fullest,” he said.

The President said he would personally deal with local governments that failed to combat criminality in their areas of jurisdiction.