Just a ‘metaphor,’ Sotto says of Duterte’s revolutionary war threat

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III  believes President Rodrigo Duterte’s warning of a revolutionary war declaration was said metaphorically.

“He is just frustrated. I’m sure he will have a better outlook once his programs vs criminality becomes more successful,” Sotto said in text message on Friday.

In a speech in Palawan on Thursday, Duterte threatened to suspend the writ of habeas corpus and declare a revolutionary war if pushed to the wall.

“I have enough problems with criminality, drugs, rebellion and all. Pero kapag ako ang pinaabot niyo ng sagad (If you push me to my limits), I will declare the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. And I will arrest all of you,” the President said.

“Then pahirapan mo ako (Then you will give me a hard time)? I will declare a revolutionary war until the end of my term. I’m willing to be hung. I’m willing to die,” Duterte added.

The President was reacting to Senate  Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who earlier cautioned against the cancellation of Philippine government contracts with private firms and foreign countries.

Asked if Duterte’s threats should not be a cause for alarm, Sotto said: “Nope. Suspension of the writ has proper Constitutional safeguards while a revolutionary war is a metaphor.”

Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, believes the President himself knows that he could not do both — suspend the writ of habeas corpus and declare a revolutionary war.

“He will not do it because he is too smart and intelligent to know he cannot do it,” Lacson said in a separate text message. /muf