Robredo surprised at Duterte’s revolutionary gov’t threat

Vice President Leni Robredo said on Friday that it was unconstitutional for President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a revolutionary government. Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday said she was surprised when President Duterte threatened to declare a revolutionary government.

“Medyo nagulat ako dahil abogado siya at alam niya labag ito sa Constitution. (I was surprised because he’s a lawyer and he knows that this is against the Constitution),” said Robredo who was in this city on Friday morning for the launching and presentation of the sectoral agenda of Ahon Laylayan Coalition.

“Hindi siya naaayon sa Constitution. Kaming dalawa pareho nanumpa na ipagtanggol ang Constitution ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Pag nag-deklara siya ng revolutionary government ang gusto ba  nito sabihin inaabandona niya yung kanyang pinanumpaan? (It is against the Constitution. We both swore to defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. If he declares a revolutionary government, does he want to say that he will abandon what he promised us?),” she added.

Otso Diretso candidate lawyer Romy Macalintal earlier said that if Duterte declared a revolutionary government, he ceases to be the president.

Macalintal was with fellow candidates Chel Diokno, Gary Alejano, and Samira Gutoc.

“Para sa akin pag nag-declare siya ng revolutionary government, magiging president si Vice President Leni Robredo. Kasi kapag gagawa siya ng nasabing declaration ang ibig sabihin he ceases to be the president. He divests himself of the office of the presidency,” said Macalintal.

(For me, if President Duterte declares a revolutionary government, Vice President Leni Robredo will become the president. If he creates a revolutionary government, he ceases to be the president. He divests himself of the office of the presidency).

In case this happens, Robredo said she’s ready to take over.

“Lahat naman ng kumakandidato (ng) pangalawang pangulo dapat ready sa ganyang eventuality. Kasi yun naman ang mandato ng opisina,” said Robredo.

(Anyone who aspires for the seat of Vice President must be ready for any eventuality because that’s the mandate of the office).