Duterte does not need revolutionary government — Palace

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday shot down a proposal for a revolutionary government being pushed by supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte, saying the Chief Executive does not need such a form of government.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. made the statement after the People’s National Coalition (PNC) for Revolutionary Government Towards Federalism submitted to Malacañang its recommendation calling for the country’s shift to federalism through a revolutionary government.

But Roque reiterated Duterte has no plans of extending his term, which is set to expire in June 2022.

“The President po is the de jure (according law) constitutional government at hindi niya kinakailangan ng revolutionary government (he does not need a revolutionary government),” Roque said during a virtual press briefing.

“Elections will be held as scheduled in 2022 and there will be a new president come June 30 of 2022,” he added.

The PNC had claimed that over 17 million people have signified their support for the declaration it sent to the President.

PNC Secretary General Abner Malabanan said the coalition submitted its recommendation to show the President the support of the people to the initiative.

Duterte had promised to spread political power and resources by setting up a federal government through charter change.

Recently, the President opposed calls to declare a revolutionary government.