Davao Del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez earned rebuke from his colleagues in the House of Representatives after he urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Both Surigao Del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel, and Camiguin Lone District Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo viewed the words of Alvarez as seditious.
"The remarks of the former speaker are uncalled for. That is tantamount to an act of sedition or rebellion," Pimentel said in a statement.
Romualdo even called for the immediate filing of a criminal case against Alvarez 'so that the move to incite people, including the military, to rebel against the government will be nipped in the bud.'
Lanao Del Norter 1st District Rep. Mohamad Dimaporo, meanwhile, warned that the call of the former House Speaker might bring about an ethics case against him.
"I would kindly urge the former speaker to be cautious with his words and clear on his intent," Dimaporo said in a statement.
"At face value, his anti-government statements are unbecoming of a member of the House of Representatives and may warrant an ethics case against him," the congressman added.
House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales also described the statement made by Alvarez as 'a direct attack' to the democratic institutions of the Philippines.
"As leaders, we must uphold the rule of law and respect the democratic process," Gonzales stressed.
"His call for the withdrawal of support from the duly-elected President with an overwhelming mandate from 31-M Filipinos is a direct attack on our democratic institutions," he added.
Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said that the 'reckless behavior' of Alvarez should not 'go unchecked'.
"Former Speaker Alvarez’s irresponsible remarks are not only seditious but also undermine the stability of our government and the rule of law," Dalipe said.
During a rally on Sunday, April 15, in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, Alvarez said that President Marcos will have no choice but to step down if the AFP withdraws support.
Alvarez stressed that AFP should protect the Filipino people, and expressed concern regarding a possible war in the West Philippine Sea.
In the past few months, tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea due to China blocking resupply missions of the Philippines to BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded vessel in the the Second Thomas Shoal.
