Duterte declassifies supposed proof of ouster plot by Trillanes, Reds

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would disclose evidence to prove that the Magdalo group, the rest of the political opposition, and communists were conniving to oust him from Malacañang.

The President said the Magdalo group, which counts opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as a key member, is also involved in the supposed plot.

In a nationally televised exchange with chief presidential legal counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo, Duterte said he already ordered the evidence of the ouster plot "declassified" and revealed to the public.

The President said the Magdalo group, which counts Trillanes as key member, is also involved in the supposed plot.

"They have combined and we have the evidence, the conversation provided by a foreign country sympathetic to us. We do not have the sophistication but meron and the connection will be shown any day now. I asked that it be declassified, ipakita nila sa lahat," Duterte said.

"It might be a loose conspiracy but they are into it. Sabay sabay sila," he added.

He warned soldiers against coalescing with Magdalo, saying the group's membership was not unified on the issue of overthrowing the government.

Still, Duterte challenged Magdalo to go ahead with their plot.

"[Kung] sigurado niyo na inyo ang sundalo, fine. Kung kayong general gusto sige," Duterte said.

Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano, who joined Trillanes in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, has already denied that his party is involved in the supposed ouster plot.

"I categorically deny that the Magdalo is involved in any oust plot against the President," Alejano said in a statement.

"The Magdalo is performing its mandate as members of the opposition under the check and balance system of our democratic government. The essence of this is to strengthen democracy and not to destabilize it," he added.

Duterte had said that he preferred a military junta or politicians like former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Senator Francis Escudero to succeed him instead of Vice President Leni Robredo whom he deemed incompetent to take on the jon.

The Palace, meanwhile, said Duterte might step down from the presidency if Bongbong Marcos wins his electoral protest. —NB/MDM, GMA News