President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said there’s no point in working in the government if the military does not support him.
Duterte said in a televised public briefing that he was really downhearted when he learned the news that some generals are planning to withdraw their support for him.
“I was so — talagang (really) downhearted ako because I expected the military to perform well,” he said.
“If we cannot work together with . . . Maybe we cannot work together on bigger things. So what’s the point,” he added.
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He made the remarks after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana submitted a documents to him, which he referred as “puno ng kabalastugan”.
“I told them: ‘I do not work where I’m not needed. Then it’s up to you to explain to the Filipino people why it’s like that,” Duterte said.
“If I cannot have the cooperation of the Armed Forces, then there is no point in working for this government — none,” he furthered.
Duterte did not disclose the content of the said document nor reveal who’s behind it.
READ ON: ‘It’s fake news’: Lorenzana dismisses rumors of withdrawal of support for Duterte
Meanwhile, he reiterated that he is willing to step down from his post if the military asked him.
“Sinabi ko talaga sa kanila, ‘I do not work where I’m not needed. Then kayo na mag-explain, explain to the Filipino people bakit ganu’n’,” Duterte said.
On Sunday, reports that active and retired members of the military are withdrawing their support for President Duterte for his inaction on China’s aggressive move in the West Philippine Sea.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque dismissed the reports as hearsay while the Defense Department has labeled it as fake news. (RA)
