Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pleaded with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday and asked them not to stage a coup d’etat during his term.
His administration has been notably close to the military and police and in his speech during the anniversary of the Philippine Airforce in Pasay City yesterday, Duterte told the crowd precisely why there are so many former members of the military in his cabinet.
“The cabinet members, almost all of them are retired military men. Why?” he said in a mix of English and Filipino. “Because I know the Armed Forces and the police will have to decide one day, somehow. Do not do it (coup) please during my term.”
Duterte then pointed out that he has always approved the requests made by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
“During my time, I have never said ‘no’ to any of the commanders and to Delfin Lorenzana and to Secretary Esperon. All the things that they wanted for our Armed Forces, [I’ve given], even for the police,” the president said.
He even assured the AFP that his government would continue to support its modernization program.
“I assure you that this administration will continue to pursue all efforts to enhance your capabilities against these threats through modernization and capacity building initiatives such as the Military Pilot Training and your conduct for all qualified student officers, thereby assuring a strong future for our Air Force.”
Duterte may have been transparent about his attempts to get on the military’s good side to avoid a coup but he also said that he’s willing to give the government up.
“I’ve told you before, all you have to do, if you really don’t like me, do not bring your weapons and make a [coup]. Just call me and we’ll have coffee and I’m ready to say it’s (government) yours to take.”
The military reacted to the president’s statements today and said that its members have no plans to remove Duterte from office. AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Noel Detoyato told GMA News that they are more focused on achieving their goals.
“There is no reason at all for your security sector to be remiss of our duty to serve the Filipinos … Besides, we are better compensated than before and we have to give back by serving the Filipinos with all our heart,” Detoyato said.
This is not the first time Duterte asked the AFP to not stage a coup. In September last year, he made the same request and added that he’s willing to discuss their issues with them. He also said that he’s willing to step down from power if their concerns have a legitimate basis.
In February, he expressed confidence that the AFP will not oust him and that a coup was something that Defense Secretary Lorenzana will not agree with.
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