Duterte to troops: 'Stay loyal to flag'

CALAMBA, Laguna, Philippines — Amid reports that there are efforts to oust him, President Duterte urged uniformed personnel to stay loyal to the flag and said he is willing to give up the post without resistance for a peaceful transition to the next leader.

“Loyalty must begin and end with the Republic of the Philippines. Do not mind me,” Duterte told members of the Bureau of Jail and Management at Camp Vicente Lim here yesterday afternoon.

Duterte dispatched to the regional offices some 322 new service vehicles to be used for transfer of detainees in their respective areas.

“Do not nurture personal loyalty to me. I don’t need it. I was elected by the people. You have your mandate,” he said. 

Although the President has repeatedly said these words before the police and the military, observers noted his statement has more credence now amid reports that there is a continuing threat from the Left and some forces from the political opposition to assassinate or remove him from office.

“So if you think I do not deserve to be there, just tell me. I’d be happy to oblige, pagod na rin ako (I’m tired),” he said, expressing exasperation over the latest political developments.

Duterte, whose administration now faces problems on rising inflation worsened by soaring prices of fuel, said he is ready to step down.

“You think there’s a better guy there on the side who should be, kayo... ako hindi. I will not order the PSG (Presidential Security Group) sa likod,” he said.

There is no need to force him out of office, Duterte said, adding all it takes is gentle persuasion.

“Do not do that. Just go to my office. Tapos mag-usap tayo (Let’s talk). I will hear you and if you think tama ka, matanda na ako, hindi na ako makatrabaho (you’re right, that I’m too old and cannot do the job) or I am no longer able to articulate what I’m doing there, just tell me,” he said.

Addressing the BJMP personnel, Duterte said there is no need for coups.

“Do not go into such stupid thing as coup d’etat. You’re wasting your time. Just talk to me and if I think that you are right, I will agree with you. I will step down, uwi na ako sa amin (I’ll go home),” said the President, who is from Davao City.