By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Leaders of the House of Representatives on Tuesday (26 Nov 2024) laughed off the reported call of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw support from the Marcos administration as “hyperbole and diversionary.”
They said the military is a professional organization and is expected to remain true to its oath to defend the Constitution.
“This isn’t the first time na we’ve had this statement (from the former president). And I recall nangyari po ito last time…pero at this point, puro hyperbole. I’m not sure if it should even be dignified with a serious consideration,” 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez told a news conference.
“Why I am able to say you shouldn’t take it seriously anymore kasi baka hyperbole? Kasi I also have full trust and confidence in our Armed Forces that they will stay true to their oath to protect and uphold the Constitution…yung suggestion na yan is very much against the Constitution so I don’t think even the AFP will take that seriously,” Gutierrez said.
Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Francisco Ortega V said he has heard the former president make such call at least three times.
“Parang tatlong beses na yata nilang statement yan o sinubukan na ginawa. Kaya nga sinasabi ko talagang lumang tugtugin na yan. Wala nang maniniwala, wala nang sasama dyan. Kasi ang taong bayan, mas maraming problema na kailangan ayusin. Yan ang ginagawa natin ngayon. Huwag na silang dumagdag sa problema ng bansa. Dine-divide pa nila ang bansa natin. Wala. Lumang tugtugin na yan. Wala nang nakikinig,” Ortega said.
For House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, Duterte’s remarks are intended to divert attention away from the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Well, this is another diversionary tactic. Para pagtakpan ang totoong issue na kinakaharap ng ating Bise Presidente, tingin natin sa sobrang bigat ng mga issue ngayon ng ating Vice President, kailangan niya ng tulong ng kanyang ama para tulungan ang anak na pagtakpan kung ano man yung kinaharap ng ating Vice President,” he said.
“Isa lang ang masasabi natin. Explain lang niya kung paano ginamit ang confidential fund. Yan na yan. Hindi na natin kailangan ng mga salita na hindi nakakatulong sa ating bayan at lalong nakakapagbigay ng division sa ating mamamayan,” the chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion said.
House Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon agreed with Khonghun.
“Isa na naman itong paglilihis sa mga issue na ipinupukol sa kanya pong anak na si Bise Presidente,” he said.
Bongalon also said it was not proper for former President Duterte to urged the military to withdraw support from the present administration.
“Para sa akin hindi akma sa isang naging chief executive, naging isang presidente na may taong mananawagan na hikayatin na mag-withdraw ng kanilang suporta sa kanila pong commander-in-chief. Alam po yan ni PRRD bilang isang naging commander-in-chief na isa sa mga ayaw mong mangyari ay kumalas ng suporta ang ating mga militar,” he said.
“So, I guess that is an inappropriate statement ng isang naging dating presidente at naging commander-in- chief ng ating bansa dahil kung ganyan, again we are not calling for peace and unity in our country. Mas lalo mo pang hinihikayat na magkaroon ng gulo, away sa ating bansa,” he added.
Like Ortega, Khongun said he believes in the professionalism of the AFP.
“Nakita naman natin yung professionalism ng Armed Forces of the Philippines at talagang nakikita natin na gusto rin malaman ng Armed Forces kung ano yung katotohanan lalung-lalo na sa confidential fund. At sa ngayon nga, dinenay ng armed forces na nakatanggap sila ng confidential fund,” he said.
ia/mnm
