Former House Speaker and now Davao del Norte 1st District. Rep. Pantaleon 'Bebot' Alvarez apologized for his call to the military and police to withdraw support from President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.
In a statement obtained by DZRH News, he said he was carried away by his emotions when he uttered the call.
Alvarez stressed that he loves the country and cannot be silent while Malacañang is dragging the Philippines into war against China, which he believes is surpassing the United States in the aspects of economy, technology, and military.
"Hindi 'yan katanggap-tanggap, may nuclear weapons sila, kaya nila magpaputok at hindi tayo makakapalag. Maraming Pilipino ang mamamatay. Ubos tayo," the former House Speaker added.
Ex Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez> 1/2 Pasensya na, nadala rin ng bugso ng damdamin. Mahal ko ang Pilipinas, lalo na ang Mindanao. At paano ako tatahimik, tingnan niyo nangyayari. Kinakaladkad tayo ng Malacanang papunta sa digmaan kahit na ang China ay mauunahan na ang US @dzrhnews
— milky rigonan 💋 (@milkyrigonan) April 16, 2024
During the flag, peace rally led by former President Rodrigo Duterte in Tagum City on Arpil 14, Alvarez called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to withdaw support from Marcos to force him to step down.
"Sa mapayapang paraan, please withdraw your support to Chief Executive. Kapag nag-withdraw kayo ng support sa kaniya, ibigsabihin sinusuportahan niyo ang probisyon sa Saligang Batas na protect the people and the state," he said.
"Kapag nag-withdraw kayo ng suporta sa kaniya, wala na siyang ibang magagawa kundi bababa ng pwesto niya," Alvarez added.
Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel, in a statement, said Pantaleon's remark was "uncalled for" and that "this is tantamount to an act of sedition or rebellion."
AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. has turned down the withdrawal appeal, stressing their commitment to the chain of command.
"The President is our commander-in-chief, and whoever the president is, it is very clear that we will follow the chain. Susundan namin yung mga utos ng ating commander-in-chief," he told reporters in an interview.
Marcos admin hindi nagdudulot ng tensyon sa WPS — AFP | RH 52 @ednielparrosa #DamdamingBayan#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) April 16, 2024
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