Lorenzana opposes call for revolutionary government

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed no support to the supposed call of a group of President Rodrigo Duterte's supporters for a revolutionary government.

The Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte - National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD-NECC) reportedly set a meeting inviting officials to discuss the proposed revolutionary government.

“We got it thru Viber but not send to us by the alleged authors,” Lorenzana said in a message sent to reporters.

“We do not support them,” he added.

On Saturday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Gamboa also confirmed receiving an invitation to the meeting. According to him, the meeting was set on Friday.

“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,” Gamboa said.

“Anyway tapos na ‘yung supposed to be set na meeting. So titingnan ko kung ano ang magiging action nila kasi nga hindi natuloy ‘yun,” he added.

On Sunday, San Beda Graduate School of Law dean Fr. Ranhilio Aquino said the call for a revolutionary government is only aimed at pushing for the long-debated issue of Charter change.

"I think they want Charter change principally for term extension, lifting term limits, or postponing the elections. I think that's the main purpose," Aquino said.

"What they want talaga is do away with all the barriers na humahadlang sa mga plans nila, kaya revolutionary government ang pinag-uusapan nila," he 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. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News