Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin described former President Rodrigo Duterte's call to remove President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. so that his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, could take over as selfish.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bersamin emphasized that the former president should respect the Constitution and not undermine it. He also urged Duterte to stop acting as irresponsibly as he has been.
"Nakakagulat ang garapalang panawagan ni dating Pangulong Duterte sa ating sandatahang lakas na maglunsad ng kudeta laban kay Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcis Jr.," said Bersamin.
He further added that Duterte would go to great and malicious lengths, such as insulting the armed forces by urging them to betray their oath, in order for his plan to succeed.
Bersamin vowed that the administration would not shy away from its sworn duty to govern and manage the affairs of the Filipino nation in accordance with the Constitution and the Rule of Law.
"It will defend its legacy before the Filipino People only by lawful means. The state will act resolutely to go against all unlawful attempts and challenges," Bersamin said.
The Executive Secretary firmly stated that violent power grabs, including assassination, chaos, and rebellion, in order to easily seize the presidency, are unacceptable.
In closing, Bersamin told Duterte to wait for the right time and follow the proper procedures to be placed in a position.
What triggered the statement?
During a late-night press briefing in Davao City on Monday, the former President urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intervene and address what he described as the "fractured governance" under Marcos Jr.'s leadership.
Furthermore, he challenged the AFP to uphold and safeguard the Constitution.
"There is a fractured governance (in the Philippines). Walang maka-correct niyan. Nobody can correct Marcos, nobody can correct Romualdez," said Duterte.
"There is no urgent remedy... It is only the military who can correct it," he added.
However, the former President quickly clarified that he was not encouraging a coup but merely asking the AFP to declare that they are "out" of the administration's actions and will no longer take part in any of them.
"Hindi 'yan kudeta. Basta sabi ng military 'you are oppressing people and you are spending our money like water. Pati kami in the coming days mawala kami ng aming retirement, magalaw. Hindi na kami sasali sa inyo."
Meanwhile, Duterte once again accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of being a drug addict, this time extending the allegation to include his special assistant, Antonio Lagdameo Jr., claiming their involvement in the same illicit activity.
"Kayo bang mga military pati pulis, would you still continue to support a drug addict?" said Duterte.
He further questioned how long they would continue supporting a President allegedly involved in drug addiction.
