PH better off with a dictator? Trillanes thinks Duterte’s trying to sway AFP

Opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV assailed President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that the Philippines would be better off with “a dictator in the likes of Marcos” than a leader like Vice President Leni Robredo.

In a statement, Trillanes accused the chief executive of “laying the groundwork for an extra-constitutional takeover” and “trying to influence” the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership by “romanticizing an autocratic rule.”

“But it simply won’t work. The AFP knows right from wrong and will never give in to that,” the staunch critic of the Duterte administration stressed.

Aside from this, Trillanes also said Duterte is “demonizing” Robredo “because he knows that in any scenario wherein there is a constitutional transition of power, he and his minions will surely be made accountable for their actions.”

In a speech during the 49th Mandaue City Charter Day in Cebu on Thursday, the President reiterated his disapproval for Robredo to be his successor should he resign.

“If I stop now my crusade against drugs and if there no order in this place, Philippines and corruption will continue, we’re dead. I said you’re better off with a dictator in the likes of Marcos. That is what I suggested. You can have constitutional succession, it’s Robredo. But she cannot hack it,” he said.

READ: Duterte: PH better off with dictator like Marcos than leader like Robredo

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque defended Duterte’s remark by saying that it was just a “personal belief.”

“Well, maybe, that’s just the personal belief of the President that almost anyone can be better than the Vice President,” Roque said during a Palace briefing.

“With all due respect to the Vice President, that’s a personal assessment made by the President,” he added.

READ: Palace: PH better off with dictator like Marcos is just Duterte’s ‘personal belief’

Robredo brushed off Duterte’s “recycled rants,” saying it would be better if he would use his podium and his power to address pressing issues in the country.

“I’d still prefer that he focus on the many important matters that he needs to address—as rising prices continue to make life difficult for our fellow Filipinos, especially for those in need,” she said.

“Perhaps he can use his podium to assure the people that he is on top of these problems—and to use his power to intervene when his appointed officials struggle to come up with coherent solutions to the rising prices of rice and other basic commodities,” the second-highest official of the country added.   /vvp

READ: Robredo: Better if Duterte will use podium, power to address PH problems