LEADERS of the House of Representatives have condemned as “seditious” former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s recent remarks urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw its support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as they demanded swift legal action to avert any potential threat to the government’s stability.
Alvarez, a representative from Davao del Norte and a close ally of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, stirred controversy during a rally in Tagum City by reminding the AFP of its constitutional duty to protect the citizens and the state, while warning against a potential war amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
House Majority Leader Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., and Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez jointly condemned Alvarez’s remarks as “not only divisive but also dangerous.”
“Former Speaker Alvarez’s irresponsible remarks are not only seditious but also undermine the stability of our government and the rule of law. We cannot allow such reckless behavior to go unchecked,” Dalipe emphasized.
Gonzales, who is the representative of Pampanga’s third district, said the former House chief should not be allowed to incite instability and undermine the democratic process.
“As leaders, we must uphold the rule of law and respect the democratic process. His call for the withdrawal of support from the duly-elected President with an overwhelming mandate from 31 million Filipinos is a direct attack on our democratic institutions,” Gonzales stressed.
For his part, Suarez said that inciting military action against the President was “unacceptable” and that such remarks served to “sow discord and weaken the fabric of our society.”
“We must stand firm against any attempts to undermine the duly-elected government,” Suarez said, adding that Alvarez’s statement was “a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.”
The House leaders called for the immediate filing of legal charges against Alvarez to ensure accountability and prevent any further attempts to destabilize the government.
“We urge the appropriate authorities to take swift and decisive action against former Speaker Alvarez to uphold the integrity of our institutions and protect the democratic process,” Dalipe said.
In urging the AFP to withdraw support from the President, Alvarez cited the alleged need for peace and stability in the country as he warned against a potential war in the region that could lead to “destruction” and “famine.”
Alvarez’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tensions following allegations of a “secret agreement” between Duterte and China regarding the WPS, further intensifying the need for a unified stance in upholding the Philippines’ sovereignty and democratic principles.
