Manila, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Tuesday, November 26 that it will investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks suggesting military intervention against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
During a press conference, November 25, Duterte accused Marcos of being a drug addict and claimed the country was suffering from “fractured governance”.
He called on the military to intervene, saying, “It is only the military who can correct it,”
Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres described this comment as “bordering on sedition,” emphasizing that civilian authority has no role in regards to the matter.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin accused Duterte of pursuing a self-serving agenda.
“No motive is more selfish than calling for a sitting president to be overthrown so that your daughter can take over,” Bersamin said.
Bersamin added, calling the former president’s comment as “irresponsible”.
“The former president should respect the Constitution, not disobey it. He should desist from being as irresponsible as he has become,” he said.