Unless our conception of patriotism is progressive, it cannot hope to embody the real affection and the real interest of the nation.
— American activist Jane Addams
CIVIC leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia has condemned the alleged plot to harm President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM) and his family, calling it “a cowardly and un-Filipino act that endangers not just one man, but the entire nation.”
The information surfaced through blogger Pebbles Cunanan, who claimed that certain groups tied to supporters of the previous administration were discussing a plan to harm the President, saying “alam na ni dating pangulong Rodrigo ‘Rody’ Duterte na hindi na siya makakalabas kata ang huling hiling niya ay ipapatay si PBBM at ang kanyang buong pamilya.”
Cunanan further alleged the existence of a so-called ‘Sara Army’, which she described is currently “training in Sorsogon” with the supposed knowledge of Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero: “Any threat against the President is a threat against the Republic itself. It’s an attack on our democracy, our peace, and the stability that every Filipino family depends on.”
Goitia, chairman emeritus of the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, urged the citizenry to stand together in condemning any move that seeks to destabilize the government or endanger the President’s life.
“You may disagree with his decisions. You may even oppose his policies. But plotting violence is never, ever justified. In a democracy, we argue with words, not with weapons,” he pointed out.
He added that anyone proven to be involved in such a plan must face the full weight of the law: “The law is clear. Conspiring to harm the President or his family is not only a grave crime; it is an assault on the very foundations of our Republic.”
According to the civic leader, protecting the President is more than protecting a leader. It is about protecting the continuity and stability of the nation: “The President represents the government itself, the unity of our State. If the institution of the presidency is attacked, the nation is weakened. That’s why protecting the President means protecting the Republic.”
He reminded the public that behind every political figure is a family that deserves safety and dignity: “We must remember that threats like these do not just target the President; they target his family too. That crosses every moral and human boundary.”
The chairman emeritus called on authorities to investigate thoroughly, uphold due process, and avoid politicizing the issue: “The truth must come out through lawful investigation, not through online noise or speculation. Justice must be both firm and fair. Only then can we protect the credibility of our institutions.”
He cautioned against spreading unverified information online: “Let’s not fuel panic or division. Instead of sharing rumors, share vigilance. Instead of anger, let’s promote peace.”
He appealed to every patriotic Filipino, whether for or against the administration, to unite in rejecting violence and defending the nation’s peace: “Protecting the President is not about blind loyalty. It’s about love of country. Because when we protect the stability of our government, we protect the livelihood, safety, and dignity of every Filipino.”
He ended his statement with a message that reflects both conviction and civic duty: “Our enemies are not each other, but division and hatred. Let us stand together under one flag, guided by law and by our shared duty to keep the Republic strong.”
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