EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin has issued a strong condemnation of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a coup against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., vowing to defend the current administration through lawful means.
In a statement released by the Office of the Executive Secretary, Bersamin characterized Duterte’s call as “selfish” and “irresponsible,” accusing him of seeking to overthrow the sitting president to pave the way for his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, to assume power.
“No motive is more selfish than calling for a sitting president to be overthrown so that your daughter can take over,” Bersamin stated. “And he will go to great and evil lengths, such as insulting our professional armed forces by asking them to betray their oath, for his plan to succeed.”
Bersamin further criticized Duterte’s disregard for the Constitution, urging him to “desist from being as irresponsible as he has become.”
The statement also expressed shock at Duterte’s “brazen call” for the armed forces to stage a coup.
“This administration will not shirk from its sworn duty to govern and manage the affairs of the Filipino Nation according to the Constitution and the Rule of Law,” Bersamin declared. “It will defend its legacy before the Filipino People only by lawful means. The state will act resolutely to go against all unlawful attempts and challenges.”
Bersamin concluded by condemning any attempt to seize power through violence, urging those who seek to overthrow the government to “wait for the right time, follow the right process.”
Bersamin’s statement marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political tensions between the Marcos Jr. administration and the Duterte family. The former president’s call for a coup, coupled with Bersamin’s resolute response, raises concerns about the potential for further instability and unrest in the country.
