Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. — MALACAÑANG FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — There is nothing seditious when former President Rodrigo Duterte laid out the available options for the military amid the political turmoil in the country, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said on Wednesday.
In fact, his former police chief Dela Rosa agreed with Durterte’s opinion.
“I agree with him when he laid down on the table the available options for the military. I agree with him when he educate the military kung ano ang papel nila (on their role) to defend the Constitution,” Dela Rosa said in an interview at the Senate.
As the “ultimate defender of the Filipino people,” the senator also stressed the role of the military to stabilize—and not destabilize— the country.
“He didn’t say anything about staging a coup. He didn’t say anything about attacking Malacañang. He didn’t say anything like that. He just reminded the military of their role here in our country,” Dela Rosa said.
So when asked if Duterte’s remarks could be considered seditious, the senator said, “For me, it’s not.”
Pressed further if the former leader’s statement was tantamount to a call for the military’s withdrawal of support, Dela Rosa said: “E kung gusto nila mag withdraw, mag withdraw sila.”
(If they want to withdraw, let them withdraw)
The senator did not elaborate on his last statement.
Duterte, in a press conference on Monday, claimed that there was a “fractured governance” in the country.
“Nobody can correct Marcos. Nobody can correct [Martin] Romualdez. There is no urgent remedy. It is only the military who can correct it,” he said.
This statement was considered “bordering on sedition and is legally actionable” by Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres.
READ: Rodrigo Duterte called out for trying to stir military vs Marcos
Malacañang called out Duterte for his insulting call that would benefit his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
READ: Rodrigo Duterte called out for trying to stir military vs Marcos
“No motive is more selfish than calling for a sitting president to be overthrown so that your daughter can take over,” read a statement from the Office of the Executive Secretary.
“And he will go to great and evil lengths, such as insulting our professional armed forces by asking them to betray their oath, for his plan to succeed,” it added.