Ex-DSWD chief Taguiwalo warns of dictatorship under RevGov

Former Social Welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo issues a warning against RevGov. PHOTO/Noy Morcoso, INQUIRER.net

Former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo warned on Thursday that the proposed revolutionary government could lead to an “imposition of a one-man rule and authoritarianism” by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Ang sinasabi natin na revolutionary government sa totoo lang one-man rule kasi iaabolish ang Congress,” Taguiwalo said during a protest action at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila to commemorate the 154th Bonifacio Day.

“Dumaan na tayo sa batas militar eh at alam natin na ‘di ito ang solusyon sa mga hinaing ng mamamayan sa kahirapan, kawalang trabaho, karahasan. It is an imposition of a one-man rule it is an authoritarianism,” she added.

Last November 20, Duterte threatened he would declare a revolutionary government if his detractors would try to topple his administration.

READ: Duterte threatens foes with revolutionary government

But he later retracted his statement, citing it as a mere “headache.”

READ: Duterte says establishing RevGov is like ‘looking for a headache’

Aside from airing their opposition to the revolutionary government, around 3,000 protesters also condemned the recent crackdown against progressive groups which, they said, came after the termination of peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

“Itong pagkilos ay paggunita sa kapanganakan ni Bonifacio at pagtutol ano man planong magpataw ng diktadurya, pagtutol sa crackdown ng lehitimong organisasyon at sa huwad na revolutionary government na sa totoo lang mas mukhang diktadurya at power grab sa halip na revolutionary,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary General Renato Reyes said.

Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago said a fact-finding group of 30 people was attacked on Nov. 28 by suspected state forces while on their way to Brgy. Catalina in Negros Oriental to probe alleged human rights violations.

Two members, Elisa Badayos of Karapatan Central Visayas and Elioterio Moises of the local peasant group Mantapi Ebean Farmers Association, died, while a member of Kabataan partylist-Cebu was reported in critical condition, Elago said.

Meanwhile, Reyes also warned that the impeachment case against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and the termination of peace negotiation, among others, were signs of a looming dictatorship.

“Yung mga senyales nakakabahala yung pagterminate ng peace talks, banta sa mga progressive orgs, militarization, war on terror, impeachment sa mga sangay ng government na nagbibigay sana ng checks and balances, lahat ng ito parang pag tinignan mo inilalatag patungo ng diktadurya,” he said.

Asked about what would be the course of action of militant groups, Reyes answered: “There’s only one course of action eh kailangan mong labanan at biguin yung mga tangka na magpataw ng diktadurya.”