In a bid to shut down suspicions of his possible term extension, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered soldiers and cops to shoot him if he stays beyond his term, which will end in 2022.
The president said it is the security forces’ duty to stop anyone from messing with the Constitution.
“I am telling you now, if I go beyond my term, even just for a day, I am now asking the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP (Philippine National Police) not to allow me or anybody else to mess up with the Constitution,” Duterte said in a speech in Compostela Valley.
“That is your job, to protect the Constitution, and to protect the people. Remember it as a solemn duty. That’s why if I extend, if I want to be a dictator, shoot me, I am not joking,” he added.
Duterte’s statement came after he received numerous allegations that he is only aiming for a charter change so he can stay in office beyond his term.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 01/ 23 / 18)