Bayan Muna hits Duterte’s threat on habeas corpus, revolutionary gov’t
MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to suspend the writ of habeas corpus and install a revolutionary government are his reactions to critics of his administration and a video linking his son to the drug trade, Bayan Muna leaders said on Friday.
Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares and Rep. Carlos Zarate said that the threats came as new drug allegations about his son Paulo Duterte surfaced, and after various personalities criticized the police for allegedly murdering 14 farmers in Negros Oriental.
“Lumabas lang uli ang supposed drug links ni Paolo Duterte as well as the Duterte wealth issue on top of the Negros 14 massacre and the onerous China loans, eh bigla na lang sasabihin na isususpend ang writ of habeas corpus,” Colmenares said.
On Wednesday, a hooded man claimed in a video that Duterte’s son received payoffs from a drug syndicate.
The government also drew flak after Chinese vessels were spotted around Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
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Article continues after this advertisementAccording to Colmenares, Duterte’s responses showed how short-tempered he is, despite dishing tirades most of the time.
“If the president can dish it he should learn to take it as well. Ang pikon huwag astang diktador,” he added.
For his part, Zarate noted that such bold moves cannot be done based on the President’s emotions and mood.
“Hindi pwedeng dahilan ng pagtanggal nito ay napikon lang ang Presidente,” Zarate said.
On Thursday, Duterte said that he may suspend the writ of habeas corpus and declare a revolutionary government if he is “pushed to the wall” by problems on crime, drugs and insurgency.
The President also vented his ire towards Senator Franklin Drilon, who asked him to exercise caution when entering into deals, amid issues with Chinese loan contracts. /gsg/muf
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