DUTERTE DENIES LINK TO DESTABILIZE MARCOS ADMINISTRATION

FORMER president Rodrigo Duterte said only “stupid people” would associate him with the supposed destabilization plots against the Marcos administration.

In an interview with Davao-based reporters late Saturday night, the former president  denied rumors that he has secretly met with some police, military officers, and politicians regarding Marcos’s ouster.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier said that the people agitating active military members were “allied with the Dutertes.”

“Who in their right mind — police or military — will meet with me to talk about destabilization?” Duterte said during a press briefing streamed live on Facebook.

He said he would not do such thing since he is comfortable with Marcos.

“Why should I do that? To find someone to replace Marcos? I am comfortable with Marcos, why should I replace him?,” Duterte said adding he has “grown tired” of such rumors.

The former leader urged Filipinos to observe the rule of law.

“I do not want chaos. Let us just follow the Constitution. Change can happen through a democratic process but not through bloody revolts or destabilization,” the 78-year-old former president said.

“Every time there is destabilization, or you break the process of democracy, you take a gamble. Destabilization is not the solution. Let the people decide, that is why we have elections. Let democracy work. Help democracy work,” he added.

Asked if he is satisfied with the Marcos administration, Duterte answered: “In a sense, we have not seen any issue of corruption or abuse. In a sense, Marcos is treading a straight path.”

Duterte, however, acknowledged that there are sentiments raised against President Marcos, but these did not emanate from his hometown in Davao City.

“The sentiment is strongest in Manila, not here in Davao,” he said.

Duterte added that he’s done with politics.

“Ayoko na ng pulitika. Hindi naman ako nasusuka. I find it disgusting for me to still meddle in politics. Pagod na ako sa pulitika. Count me out,” he said.

Last November, the former president said that if his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is impeached from her position, he would be compelled to run for Senate or vice president.