‘Revolutionary Government’ rejected

A FORMER military general - who was disqualified to run for the presidency in the May polls - is now campaigning for the establishment of a “revolutionary government” after accusing the Commission on Elections of corruption.

Retired General Antonio Parlade, who served as chief of the Southern Luzon Command and Deputy Director General of the National Security Council, also previously accused President Rodrigo Duterte’s former aide and now Senator Bong Go of controlling over the decisions of the president on military matters.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dismissed Parlade’s call for a revolutionary government and ordered the military to ignore the former commander. “Retired General Antonio Parlade’s call for a revolutionary government is part of his guaranteed freedom of speech and expression,” he said, adding “the retired general’s call is better left ignored.”

But Interior Secretary Eduardo Año was quick to denounce Parlade’s antics, calling it “reckless and careless,” especially at this time when the country will soon hold elections.

“While we respect Parlade’s right to free speech, we urge him - as a former military general who has sworn to uphold the Constitution - to respect duly constituted authorities, be more responsible and circumspect in airing his personal remarks, and to seek the proper legal mechanisms to address his concerns,” Año said.

Año said all government agencies under him - the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology - and the Philippine National Police, shall remain committed and loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command. “And will carry out our mandate to ensure peaceful and orderly communities during the election period. As Deputies of the COMELEC, we shall, above all, safeguard the sanctity of the ballot,” he said.

He also urged all local governments to dismiss Parlade's statement and stay the course of delivering public service that addresses the needs of your jurisdiction even in the middle of a highly political climate. “Together with the Department of National Defense, the DILG shall focus on the most pressing issues of our country and guarantee the peaceful transition of power and authority to the new set of leaders who shall assume office on June 30, 2022,” Año said. (Mindanao Examiner)