Solcom chief Parlade: Pro-Duterte group’s call for revolutionary gov’t part of free speech

A ranking military official on Tuesday said those pushing for a revolutionary kind of government should not be arrested as this is part of their right to freedom of speech.

"To be arrested? Maybe not. They're just... that's part of free speech," Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command commander Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. told ANC.

It was reported that pro-administration group Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte - National Executive Coordinating Committee had organized a meeting, inviting some government officials, regarding their call for a revolutionary government.

In the interview, Parlade was asked if other groups could be arrested if they wish to take down President Rodrigo Duterte. He replied: "Of course."

Parlade explained that the difference of the MRRD - NECC from other organizations is that the former still wants to put Duterte as the head of the revolutionary government.

"What they were saying is that they want somebody or a group to declare a revolutionary government and put the President as the head..." Parlade said.

"I'm not a constitutionalist but I've read the Constitution and I understand the Constitution. I don't know the specifics but I'm very very sure that this rev gov does not have a place yet as of yet, but I'm very very sure also that there's a provision in the Constitution that allows the government to do what it should, in times of crisis," he added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier assured the public that it would not support the call for a revolutionary government.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the group must be investigated as its call is illegal and unconstitutional. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News