Duterte to soldiers: Next time you stage a mutiny, don’t give gov’t to politicians

President Rodrigo Duterte. RENE LUMAWAG / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said the next time soldiers revolt against the government, they should not let traditional politicians take over.

In a speech during the oath-taking of newly appointed government officials in Malacañang, Duterte said the military should instead look for “youth leaders” to run the government.

“You’re wasting your time. The next time you do it [mutiny], look for the best 10, 15 na mauutak na bata. Ihulog mo lahat ng politicians, including me,” Duterte said.

The President has repeatedly been saying that the military is free to oust him if they are no longer satisfied with his leadership.

The last time the military staged an uprising was when Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, then a navy officer, and the Magdalo band of junior military officers seized Oakwood luxury apartments in Makati City in 2003 and the Manila Peninsula hotel in 2007.

Both mutinies failed to overthrow the leadership of former President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Trillanes eventually became a senator and is currently one of Duterte’s fiercest critics. /kga