DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte criticized his successor, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., anew and advised him to abandon plans to extend his term through constitutional amendment.
The former Chief Executive concluded his address to the thousand attendees of the “Hakbang ng Maisug” prayer rally at Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, Tagum City, on April 14, late Sunday evening.
Duterte urged the voters not to support charter change (cha-cha), which he believes is primarily focussed on extending presidential and congressional term limits within the Constitution, not on economic reforms.
The crowd listens (Photo by Rene Arias)
He cautioned that the Marcos administration is set on repeating his father’s (Marcos Sr.) mistake, a warning Duterte has steadily reiterated for months, especially after addressing issues like cha-cha and the West Philippine Sea.
Duterte suggested that Marcos should appreciate the continued support from millions of Filipinos despite the doubtful history of their family, particularly on his father’s undisclosed assets and unlawfully acquired possessions.
“Mr. President, be happy and finish your term for six years. Be content that God gave you a chance to serve the country as president despite the history during your father’s term. Filipinos gave you understanding,” Duterte said in a local dialect.
Former executive secretary of the incumbent president, Vic Rodriguez, and former spokesperson of the former president, Harry Roque, echoed Duterte’s warning about the continuation of power by the Marcoses. They also talked about the country’s situation.
It can be recalled that Marcos expressed his support for the modification of the 1987 Constitution, mainly focusing on its economic aspects. He emphasized that these proposed changes are needed to strategically enhance the country’s economy. Critics, FPRRD included, do not believe this and exposed itasa covert agrnda to extend the terms of office of the incumbent president and members of congress.
During the first prayer rally held in Davao City three months ago, Duterte cited the possibility of the separation of Mindanao should the Marcos administration and his supporters continue to pursue the People’s Initiative (PI) aiming for a Constitutional amendment. (By Ivy Tejano/Photo by Rene Arias)