‘Creeping dictatorship’ is ‘a far-fetched idea’ – Roque

The fears of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) of a “creeping dictatorship” under the Duterte administration amid moves to amend the 1987 Constitution was “a far-fetched idea,“ Malacanang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the administration understood the sentiments of the bishops against Charter change and federalism.

“We, however, assure our bishops that the President has no interest to extend his term nor will he push for no election. President Duterte has been clear and unequivocal: As an advocate of the rule of law, he will follow the Constitution and finish his term on the noon of June 30, 2022,” Roque said in a televised press briefing in Baguio City.

“The creeping dictatorship that the Catholic hierarchy fears is a far-fetched idea,” he added.

In a pastoral statement on Monday, the CBCP expressed opposition over plans to amend the 1987 Constitution, citing fears of a creeping dictatorship and a lack of transparency.

READ: CBCP urges faithful to discern ‘moral dimensions’ of Cha-cha
/kga