Duterte to military: Staging a mutiny? Pick a young leader

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte advised the military on Thursday, February 7, to pick a “young leader” should they decide to stage a mutiny against his government.

Speaking before the newly-appointed government officials, Duterte said the Philippine troops should find a “young leader,” instead of allowing a veteran politician to take over the government.

The President gave the advice in a speech delivered at Malacañan Palace, as he lamented that the military wants to overthrow the government to give the highest position in the country to a leader from the opposition.

“Frankly, I told the military, ‘You want change?’ Sabi ko sa military ganito. Magprangka ako kasi nasabi ko na lahat eh. The problem with you guys is you go on a mutiny, rebellion. You do it, you time it during there’s a disturbance of — in society, a political turmoil. Bigay ninyo, ‘pag panalo niyo ibigay ninyo sa kabila nung dinepose ninyo,” he said.

(Frankly, I told the military, “You want change?” I’ll be frank with you since I already said everything. The problem with you is you go on a mutiny, rebellion. You do it, you time it during there’s a disturbance of — in society, a political turmoil. When you win, you give it to the enemy of the one you depose.)

“Tapos another set. Iyon na ‘yung kalaban. So demandahan then walang ginawa kung maghabol ng kalaban. Pagkatapos, ‘yan, meron na naman. Tapos mag — another communal disagreement. Pasok na naman kayo. Then ibigay mo doon sa kontra-partido. Ay p***. Wasting your time,” he added.

(Then there will be another set. That will be in favor of the enemy. So there will be filing of cases between the two opposing parties. And it will happen again. Then there will be another communal disagreement, and you will make another scene again. You’ll once again favor the opposition party. Son of a... You’re wasting your time.)

The President has repeatedly said that he is ready to give up the presidency, should the military decide to oust him.

The last time the military staged multiple coup attempts was during the time of former President and now Pampanga lawmaker Gloria Macapagal-arroyo.

The mutinies, widely known as the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny and the 2007 Manila Pensinsula Siege, did not prosper.

Duterte said he was willing to step down from office, as long as his successor would be a newbie from public service but has the competence.

“The next time you do it, look for the best 10, 15 na mauutak na mga bata (bright youth). Get that… Iyan mga undersecretary ‘yan, mga supervisors. Ihulog mo lahat politician, including me. (Those undersecretaries, supervisors, drop them, including me),” he said.

“Next time, when you assemble anywhere, everywhere, think about it. Do not allow politicians including me… But I assure you I won’t be around. I’ll go home. I am ripe for retirement. If God wills it,” he added./ Sunstar Philippines