DAVAO CITY —Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered an investigation if a sedition case can be filed against the former speaker and Davao del Norte First District representative Pantaleon Alvarez.
“I have ordered an investigation on the statements of Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez to determine whether it has risen to the level of Sedition, Inciting to Sedition, or even Rebellion,” Remulla in a statement released Tuesday said.
As a former lawmaker, Remulla called on Alvarez “To act in accordance to the highest standards of ethics, morality, and nationalism, and avoid remarks unbecoming of a member of the House of Representatives.”
Duyring the Hugpng ng Maisug rally last Sunday, Alvarez called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw its support for Marcos to force him to step down, during the Hugpong ng Maisug prayer rally in Tagum City on Sunday.“Nakikiusap ako sa inyo. We don’t have to hurt each other. We don’t have to fire a single shot. Simple lang, sa mapayapang paraan. Please withdraw your support to the Chief Executive,.”
But Mindanao lawmaker chided Alvarez saying his statements were tantamount to sedition, “We cannot countenance that,” Cagayan de Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez told reporters.
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said Alavarez’s statement “will not amount to anything but to a possible criminal investigation.”
In a statement, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the military “reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism, loyalty to the Constitution, and strict adherence to the Chain of Command.”
The Philippine Navy has also called for an investigation of Alvarez’ statement “We take exception to the recent statement of the 1st District Davao del Norte Representative and Marine reservist, Pantaleon Alvarez. The Philippine Navy has already directed the 9th Marine Brigade to conduct an investigation; and to ask Col Alvarez PN(M)(MNSA) (Res) to explain his statements. The result of the investigation will be the basis of the Navy’s actions moving forward,” said the Navy in a statement.
Former Integrated Bar of the Philippines President Atty. Domingo Cayosa in an interview with ABS-CBN said “Maingat na sinabi ni Alvarez ang kanyang pananalita, he said it peacefully, ginamit nya ang kanyang pagka abogado,” when he uttered those words.
But it is still up to the authorities if they pursue charges against Alvarez.
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