* Says DILG head undermines freedom
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte criticized Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla for suggesting that rallies and public criticism border on “inciting sedition,” saying such views undermine constitutional freedoms.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 18, to the media, Duterte said the DILG secretary seemed to disregard the basic rights guaranteed under the 1987 Constitution, emphasizing that the Bill of Rights has been in effect since its ratification.
“Until now, the Constitution seems like it is just optional reading for you,” the lawmaker said. “Freedoms of speech, expression, and assembly form fundamental democratic principles. Not everyone who disagrees with you is committing sedition.”
The legalresource.ph site defines sedition as the act of a group of people publicly and tumultuously rising to achieve particular aims through force, intimidation, or any means outside of legal methods.
“Maybe you are just being hypersensitive when you’re being criticized,” Duterte added.
Duterte also questioned Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. General Romeo Brawner Jr., who recently expressed gratitude for DILG’s allocated budget. He said Congress and the public should audit how AFP funds were spent.
“Is it okay for Congress and the public to audit how the billions allocated to the AFP were spent?” the lawmaker asked, citing reports of incomplete equipment, outdated firearms, and alleged “ghost projects.”
Duterte said his office plans to inspect the projects and asked why calls for transparency are now being treated like sedition. He added that they noticed that, whether it is a small rally, the government seemed to call it “inciting sedition.”
“A simple question is sedition. A basic budget check is sedition,” Duterte said. “Is asking questions banned? Is criticizing not allowed? How about demanding accountability? Is it banned, too?” He warned that attempts to silence dissent would only intensify public frustration.
Duterte questioned whether government officials truly believed Filipinos would stop being angry when they’re being silenced and intimidated. He called on authorities to respect public criticism and uphold constitutional rights.
“Relax, Mr. Remulla. Not every criticism is a threat to national security. Sometimes, the truth is simply blinding,” Duterte said, following Remulla’s plan to investigate statements made at the United People’s Initiative rally, calling for the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The UPI also urged the AFP, which had earlier objected to the circulation of a video call involving Brawner, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, and former Congressman Zaldy Co, to withdraw its support from the commander-in-chief.
