Duterte denies wanting to stay beyond term: ‘Kung pwede lang umatras’

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday denied that he wanted to perpetuate himself in power even after he said he would declare a revolutionary government amid supposed efforts to destabilize his administration.

Duterte at a speech during the Federalism Summit and PDP-Laban Oath-Taking in Camarines Sur said that he was not interested in staying in power beyond his term.

“I do not intend to perpetuate myself. I will not shame my family and all for any ambition in this world,” Duterte said.

“Sinasabi nila na mag-revolutionary government ako dahil gusto kong tumagal, anak ng—kung maari lang, kung pwede umatras lang eh, nakakahiya lang,” he added.

Duterte also implied that he would declare a revolutionary government so he could declare government posts vacant.

“Revolutionary government kasi gusto ko tanggalin na ‘yan, wala nang ano, ‘Ikaw, ikaw, ikaw. Alis diyan.’ ‘Ikaw, ikaw, ikaw. Alis.’ ‘Ikaw, judge. Alis ka.’ ‘Ikaw, Ombudsman, umalis ka na.’ ‘Ikaw, Justice, umalis ka na.’ Palitan ko na kayo ng taga-Bicol na magaganda,” he said.

Duterte repeated that he was not happy being president because of his age, the sheer volume of work, and the pressure that went with the post.

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

He said he would not declare martial law because it would require him to report to Congress.

"'Pag ang destablization ninyo patagilid na at medyo magulo na, I will not hesitate to declare a revolutionary government until the end of my term," he said in a report on state-run PTV  News on Friday.

"I will arrest all of you and we can go to a full-scale war against the Reds," Duterte added.

He said he will declare the revolutionary government if he thinks his critics are "about to take over the nation" and install a new government. —NB, GMA News