No creeping ‘Duterte-torship;’ Better deal for poor, lumads – DU30

MALACAÑANG has dismissed claims about an alleged “creeping dictatorship” in the country. Just amendment to the Constitution and shift to federalism but no “Dutertetorship,” the Palace assured.

*** President Duterte has, likewise, vowed to pursue a better deal for the people, especially the poor and the lumads or indigenous people, through the maintenance of peace and order and better economic measures.

Rebels and greedy manipulators will be neutralized. Economic moves will be inclusive in favor of the poor and the lumads, Digong The Punisher said in a summit.

*** Presidential spokesman Harry Roque also assured that the controversy over Malacañang’s suspension of Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang being feared by the Senate to cause “constitutional crisis” will be handled in accordance with law.

“There is no impasse. The President will enforce the law,” he said.

*** Roque brushed aside concerns raised by Catholic bishops that a “creeping dictatorship” lurks in the House move to amend the Constitution through a Constituent Assembly.

House move is suspicious, ConAss smells, churchmen claimed.

*** But Roque said Constituent Assembly is one of the three constitutional modes of amending the Charter.

“Hindi ko po maintindihan paano maging creeping dictatorship po iyan,” Roque said.

*** “The Constitution itself states the modes of amending the Charter – Constitutional Convention, Constituent Assembly and People’s Initiative,” Roque pointed out.

And they have been ratified by the people, he argued.

*** But the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has expressed concern, in a statement, that the lack of public participation, lack of transparency, and perceived promotion of self-interests have betrayed the lawmakers’ assurances that Charter change would be for the common good.

Translation: Congressmen moving suspiciously. Opss!

*** “When the move for Charter change becomes self-serving, such as when it calls for ‘No-El’ (no elections) and pushes for an extension of terms of office, it is to be expected that citizens would react with suspicion, astonishment, and exasperation.”

“In addition, the feeling of a creeping dictatorship is conjured by past experience,” the CBCP said.

*** Roque suggested that the bishops relay their concerns to their colleague San Beda College of Law Dean Ranhilio Aquino, a member of the consultative committee formed by the President to review the Charter and recommend needed revisions.

“Father Rannie is very close to CBCP,” he said. ***

Roque added he was puzzled where the bishops have drawn their conclusion of a “creeping dictatorship.”

Hurry, Harry! Time to connect, clear doubts and dismiss fears of a “Duterte-torship.”