DAVAO CITY — Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed significant concerns on Monday night about the state of governance under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., describing the administration as fractured and irreparable.
Duterte suggested that the military might play a crucial role in addressing these challenges should the situation worsen.
In a press conference held at a local hotel, Duterte voiced his apprehensions about constitutional safeguards, legislative dynamics, and potential chaos surrounding moves to amend the Constitution.
He also accused the government of mismanaging critical national resources, including the siphoning of the PhilHealth fund and the alleged selling of the country’s gold reserves.
Duterte described the fractures within the Marcos administration as “heavy” and irreparable, asserting that no internal relief seems likely. When asked about the possibility of the military not responding to such issues, Duterte remarked:
“We applaud the military for doing nothing,” acknowledging their role as constitutional protectors.
While praising the military’s restraint, Duterte hinted at their necessity should the fractures deepen further. He underscored their constitutional duty to safeguard democracy, which, he implied, may require their intervention under extraordinary circumstances.
Allegations of Mismanagement: PhilHealth Fund and Gold Reserves
Duterte accused the government of siphoning funds from PhilHealth, the state-run health insurance program funded by contributions from millions of Filipinos. He criticized the apparent misuse of the emergency health fund, which is meant to provide financial assistance during health crises.
“Every Filipino pays into PhilHealth for emergencies, yet the government siphons this fund, depriving people of the very support they’re entitled to,” he noted.
Additionally, Duterte alleged the selling of the country’s gold reserves, a controversial claim that he linked to broader issues of governance and transparency:
“After I shall have talked with the military—I will be frank with them—I will lay down the cards. I will tell the people what happened in our era, including our gold reserves.”
Duterte’s sharpest critique was aimed at Congress, which he referred to as “tamboloslos,” a colloquial term suggesting ineffectiveness or meddling.
He accused lawmakers of conspiring to amend the Constitution, a move he warned could lead to instability:
“They [Congress] are now trying to be in cahoots. They would attempt to change the Constitution, and that’s where the chaos begins.”
The former president specifically expressed concerns about efforts to establish a parliamentary system, which he suggested could diminish the presidency to a ceremonial role. He pointed to House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s potential maneuvering to become Prime Minister, effectively sidelining President Marcos.
Duterte proposed direct dialogue with military leaders to address pressing national issues, including governance problems, PhilHealth mismanagement, and historical matters like the nation’s gold reserves.
“After I shall have talked with the military—I will be frank with them—I will lay down the cards. I will tell the people what happened in our era, including our gold reserves.”
While he acknowledged limitations in some senior military leaders, such as AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., Duterte suggested bypassing top brass in favor of discussions with mid-level officers.
“It’s useless to talk to Brawner. I might as well talk to Lt. Colonels and Majors.”
Duterte’s statements highlight a deep skepticism about the current political landscape, particularly the intentions of Congress and the Marcos administration’s ability to maintain stability. His remarks raise several key issues.
Duterte’s critique could exacerbate divisions within the government and fuel public distrust of constitutional amendments.
He emphasized the military’s influence in maintaining constitutional order by invoking the military as potential referees. However, this also risks perceptions of politicizing the armed forces.
Duterte’s remarks are likely to pressure the current administration to address governance issues and reassure the public of its stability.
Allegations of PhilHealth fund siphoning and gold reserve sales add another layer of concern, potentially fueling public outrage and demands for accountability.
Duterte’s remarks reflect growing unease with the perceived ineffectiveness of the legislative and executive branches under President Marcos. While Duterte stops short of calling for direct military intervention, his proposal to engage mid-level officers signals a desire for decisive action to safeguard constitutional stability.
His allegations about the misuse of PhilHealth funds and the sale of gold reserves add urgency to his call for transparency and accountability.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Duterte’s influence and rhetoric are expected to shape public discourse and governance dynamics in the Philippines significantly.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
