MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte warned that he will declare a revolutionary government once he senses that a destabilization plot is about to install a new leader to replace him. 

In an interview aired on Friday, October 13, Duterte said this possible revolutionary government will last until the end of his term.

The President told his critics that he will create this revolutionary government if he thinks they’re “about to take over the nation,” and if they “have destabilized government” to the point that they will name a new leader.

“‘Pag ang destabilization ninyo patagilid na at medyo magulo na (Once your destabilization is already creating chaos), I will not hesitate to declare a revolutionary government until the end of my term, and I will arrest all of you, and we can go to a full-scale war against the Reds,” he said. 

Duterte said he is not keen on declaring martial law because a revolutionary government is faster to form.

“Martial law, re-report report pa ako sa Congress. Mag-declare ako ng revolutionary government, period,” he said. (With martial law, I will have to do reporting before Congress. I will declare a revolutionary government, period.)

The Philippine leader made these remarks in an interview with broadcasater Erwin Tulfo in the PTV show Sa Totoo Lang. The PTV interview was taped on Thursday, October 12.

Duterte has repeatedly toyed with the idea of a revolutionary government, but said in August that he is “not into it.”  

Duterte’s fresh warning comes as recent killings have fueled public outrage against his war on drugs. – Rappler.com