The Office of the Executive Secretary criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday for allegedly calling on the military to overthrow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The act was labeled as a selfish and unconstitutional move aimed at advancing his family’s political interests.
In a statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin condemned Duterte for urging the armed forces to betray their oath of service, describing his actions as “great and evil lengths” to achieve his purported goal of installing his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, as president.
“No motive is more selfish than calling for a sitting president to be overthrown so that your daughter can take over,” he remarked.
The government urged Duterte to respect the Constitution and refrain from what it characterized as “irresponsible” behavior.
“It is shocking that former President Duterte openly calls on our armed forces to launch a coup against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” he said.
According to Bersamin, the Marcos administration vowed to uphold the rule of law and maintain stability amid what it described as “unlawful attempts and challenges” to its governance.
“This administration will not shirk from its sworn duty to govern and manage the affairs of the Filipino nation according to the Constitution and the Rule of Law,” he emphasized.
Without directly naming Duterte, the government denounced any efforts to seize power through violent or unlawful means and urged those dissatisfied with the current leadership to wait for the appropriate time and follow legal processes.
“Violent grabs for power to easily install oneself as president through killings, chaos, and uprisings are unacceptable. Wait for the right time and adhere to the proper methods,” he added.
On Monday, Duterte launched another attack on President Marcos, accusing him of drug addiction and urging the military to prioritize defending the Constitution.
“There is a fractured governance in the Philippines right now,” Duterte said during a press conference.
“Nobody can correct Marcos, nobody can correct [House Speaker Martin] Romualdez… There is no urgent remedy. It is only the military who can correct it.” he further stated.
The former president also questioned the loyalty of the armed forces to President Marcos, suggesting they reconsider their support if the allegations were true.
“How long will you continue to support a president who is a drug addict?” Duterte asked.
The President, who is currently on a working visit to the United Arab Emirates, has yet to issue a response to these allegations.
The ongoing tension between the Marcos administration and the Dutertes continues to escalate following Vice President Duterte’s video message claiming she hired an assassin to kill the First Couple and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself is killed.
In response, President Marcos countered VP Duterte’s remarks by stating that she should be held accountable for her statements.
He noted that any assassination attempt on him raises serious concerns about national security, emphasizing that such criminal acts should never be underestimated.
