Politics, the Ultimate Carousel of Chaos: A Commentary on Rodrigo Duterte’s Latest Antics
Ah, the eternal magic of politics. A never-ending spectacle where one can’t help but be mesmerized by the sheer audacity of some individuals. Enter Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, who’s always good for a laugh, or a collective head-shaking. This time, he’s called on the military to "correct" the current administration, labeling President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. a "drug addict." Oh, and he also took a swipe at Speaker Martin Romualdez for good measure. Well played, Rodrigo, well played.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Has the man finally gone bonkers?" Or, as some would say, "Has he simply found a new way to siphon attention from the current administration?"
Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres thinks Duterte’s remarks might be considered seditious and wants to investigate further. Seditious? Ah, that’s a strong word, Jessie! But I suppose when you invite the military to get involved, that’s not exactly a dinner party invitation. Andres also mentions Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent pronouncements, implying there might be something brewing – if not a coup, then perhaps a nice cup of tea with a side of chaos.
Of course, former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo chimed in, saying Duterte didn’t mean to commit sedition. Oh, definitely not. I’m sure he meant to promote world peace and bestow hugs upon the nation. After all, who wouldn’t encourage the military to interfere in politics? That’s always ended well, right?
As one Rep, Rodge Gutierrez, pointed out, this could be seen as inciting sedition, especially since Duterte explicitly encouraged the military to rebel against the government. Who needs subtlety when you can be as subtle as a sledgehammer, eh?
Meanwhile, another representative, Raul Bongalon, thinks Duterte’s just stirring the pot, seeking chaos and – more attention. You know, that classic ‘hey, look over here!’ move. It’s like watching a circus juggling act, minus the talent.
But let’s not forget the real issue here: all this attention-seeking might just be an attempt to distract from some rather…sensitive matters involving the Vice President. Because what’s a bit of constitutional disruption among friends when there are secret funds to hide?
And the Armed Forces of the Philippines, being the professionals they are, will – fingers crossed – remain loyal to the chain of command. Although, I’m sure they’ll give Duterte a stern look for trying to get them involved in this mess.
In conclusion, politics is a tough business. Sometimes it feels like kindergarten without the constructive learning activities. All we can do is sit back, observe, and marvel at the unique spectacle that is the human condition – unless, of course, the plane flies over the cuckoo’s nest, at which point we might want to take cover.
Sources:
Remember: any resemblance to real events, or quotes, is intended for entertainment purposes only.
The Philippines’ Department of Justice has launched an investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s provocative remarks, in which he urged the military to address what he termed “fractured governance” under the current administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres emphasized that Duterte’s comments may be considered seditious, warranting a thorough examination, particularly in light of recent statements made by Vice President Sara Duterte, the former President’s daughter.
“Duterte’s invitation to the military to intervene in the governance issue is bordering on sedition and is legally actionable,” Andres cautioned, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
“We will investigate the former President’s statements in conjunction with other recent developments, factoring in the potential threat posed by the Vice President’s remarks, to determine whether they are part of a larger plan to destabilize the government,” Andres explained.
The Justice Undersecretary assured that the government is prepared to handle any contingency, citing the professionalism and loyalty of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the chain of command.
‘Fractured governance’
Duterte’s inflammatory comments on Monday night sparked widespread controversy, as he claimed that only the military could “correct” the alleged “fractured governance” under Marcos, whom he derogatorily referred to as “a drug addict.”
Furthermore, Duterte implicated Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of Marcos, in his scathing critique, stating, “Nobody can correct Marcos, nobody can correct Romualdez… It is only the military who can correct it.”
Duterte posed a rhetorical question to the military, asking how long they would continue to support a president he perceived as a “drug addict.”
“Hanggang kailan kayo mag suporta ng drug addict na presidente?” Duterte asked, sparking heated debate.
Former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo disputed the allegations of sedition, arguing that Duterte’s statements did not constitute a crime, but rather a reminder to the military of its constitutional duty to protect the people.
“Former President Duterte only reminded the military of its constitutional duty to protect the people from internal and external attacks, and from those who violate the basic charter and other laws of the land,” Panelo clarified.
‘No sedition’
Panelo maintained that Duterte did not engage in any tumultuous or unlawful behavior, as defined in Article 139 of the Revised Penal Code, which includes preventing the execution of any law or inflicting harm on public officers or private individuals.
“His reminder to the military of its duty under the Constitution to protect the people is part of the freedom of speech,” Panelo asserted.
Members of the House of Representatives condemned Duterte’s remarks, with 1-Rider party list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, a lawyer, denouncing them as “inciting to sedition” and an attempt to “take up arms against the government.”
However, Gutierrez expressed skepticism about the sincerity of Duterte’s statements, suggesting that they might be a “smokescreen” to divert attention from the issues surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte, who is currently under investigation for the disbursement of confidential funds during her tenure as Education Secretary.
“I have full trust and confidence in our Armed Forces that they will stay true to their oath to protect and uphold the Constitution,” Gutierrez said, echoing the sentiments of many lawmakers.
Ako Bicol party-list lawmaker Raul Bongalon accused the former President of sowing chaos with his inflammatory remarks, stating, “That is an inappropriate statement because that is not a call for peace and unity. You want chaos to reign in our country.”
—NB, GMA Integrated News
