PNP chief Gamboa confirms getting invite to pro-Duterte group’s ‘revolutionary gov’t’ meeting

Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Gamboa confirmed he got an invitation to attend a meeting organized by a group of President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters which called for a revolutionary government.

According to Gamboa, he has not personally seen the letter of invitation from the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte - National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD-NECC).

“Yes, I have read it in the Viber. It's supposed to be set yesterday but I am still trying to search for the communication kasi personally hindi pa umabot sa akin,” the PNP chief said in an ambush interview on Friday.

“So, I think, ang nakatanggap is the Directorate for Operations and then anyway tapos na ‘yung supposed to be set na meeting. So titingnan ko kung ano ang magiging action nila kasi nga hindi natuloy ‘yun,” Gamboa said.

In a statement, Senator Panfilo Lacson applauded the PNP chief for ignoring the invitation, as well as urged government leaders to take it with a grain of salt.

"'Yan ang gawain ng mga sipsip na wala sa lugar. Mabuti na lang si Gen. Gamboa 'di niya pinatulan. At wala dapat pumatol sa ganyan. Kasi anong dulo niyan, anong tinutumbok nila? Under the administration magtayo ng revolutionary government? Anong pakay?" Lacson said.

"At saka hindi dapat. Dapat huwag patulan, kasi ito siguro mga nasarapan sa buhay nila dahil 'di naman sila Presidente kundi tagasuporta. They never had it so good. Gusto nila siguro mag-revolutionary government para wala nang election. Mga sulsol na wala sa lugar. Ang tawag ng mga karpintero riyan, wala sa hulog," Lacson added.

During the presidential campaign in 2016, then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he is planning to form a revolutionary government if elected President. 

In 2017, Duterte threatened to declare a revolutionary government in case “destabilization” moves by his critics, particularly the Left, continue and start slipping into chaos. 

In April 2019, the President threatened to declare a revolutionary war, during which he would have his critics arrested, if he was "pushed to the wall."

Vice President Leni Robredo however said Duterte will be violating the Constitution and abandon his post as Chief Executive in the event that he will declare a revolutionary government. —With a report from Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News