MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has again threatened to set up a revolutionary government amid alleged destabilization efforts by his enemies, including communist rebels, the rich, and even the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Duterte said he will set up a revolutionary government and declare all positions in government vacant if the country will descend into chaos amid what he believes are efforts by his political enemies to destabilize his administration.
The President said declaring martial law nationwide would not be an option for him under this scenario since martial law would need the approval of Congress.
“If I will declare a revolutionary government, arestado kayong lahat. Hindi ako nananakot,” Duterte said in a recorded interview aired on state-run television Friday evening.
The President listed the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the elite, and the CIA as among the entities allegedly working on his ouster.
“Sige mag-demonstrate kayo, bring it to a point na talagang tatagilid ang gobyerno. Alam ng military isa sa mga active na mag-destabilize is the communist. Do you think police and military will sympathize with you?” Duterte said.
“I was elected by the people. If I sense the country is about to go overboard, I will declare a revolutionary government. Hindi ko kayo tinatakot pero hulihin ko kayong lahat, and I will declare a full-scale war against the NPA (New People’s Army),” he added.
Duterte claimed that the elite may work for his ouster, citing his efforts to go after big companies such as Mighty Corp. and the Lucio Tan-led Philippine Airlines.
The President recently took Tan to task for PAL’s failure to settle its liabilities with the government, threatening to close down Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, which is being exclusively used by PAL. The country’s flag carrier has since reached a settlement agreement with the government.
Duterte alleged Tan managed to avoid paying PAL’s multi-billion debts to government by threatening to destabilize the government using his money.
“Sabi nila kasi magbigay daw ng pera sa kalaban para i-destabilize ka,” Duterte said.
“Sabi ko sige mag-destabilize ka, kapag nag-tilt itong bayan ang abutin niyo sa akin revolutionary government, only good for five years.”
Duterte also alleged that the CIA is funding entities in the Philippines so that people will criticize his administration.
“Mukhang galit ang CIA sa iyo. Gusto ka talagang yariin,” Duterte recalled being told by someone.
Duterte claimed online news site Rappler is being “subsidized” by the CIA. Rappler has repeatedly denied this allegation by the President.
“Naaawa ako sa mga taong ito na they have to sell their souls to a foreign power,” the President said.
Duterte earlier accused the communist rebels and the so-called “Dilawan,” a term used by Duterte allies and supporters for the opposition Liberal Party, of destabilizing his government.
The former dominant party, however, reminded Duterte that dissent is essential in a democracy such as the Philippines and should not be seen as destabilization.
The late democracy icon Corazon Aquino set up a revolutionary government following the ouster of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
By setting up the revolutionary government, Aquino was able to establish a temporary charter that briefly replaced the 1973 Constitution prior to the ratification of the 1987 Constitution. She was also able to declare government positions vacant under the set-up.