EDITORIAL — Sedition? Threats?

The Department of Justice has confirmed that they will look into the remarks made by Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez when he called for the military to withdraw support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

During a rally with former president Rodrigo Duterte in Tagum City last April 14, Alvarez told the Armed Force of the Philippines to stop supporting Marcos, adding that Marcos’ stand on the West Philippine Sea can only lead to war with China.

“Nakikiusap ako sa inyo. We don't have to hurt each other. We don't have to fire a single shot. Simple lang, sa mapayapang paraan. Please withdraw your support to the chief executive,” Alvarez said.

Yes, the DOJ should take Alvarez to account for what he said or at least make him clarify his words. If anything that statement can be described as seditious; or inciting rebellion against a duly-installed authority.

But considering the other things Alvarez has said, including expressing support for former president Duterte’s call for Mindanao to secede from the rest of the Philippines, we aren’t so sure what Alvarez is thinking anymore.

Along this line there is also another statement the DOJ may want to look into, something that can also be construed as a threat to the president.

In a statement said during another rally last January yet but only making waves now, Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte seems to have hinted at a dark future for President Marcos

“Just a simple message sa ating Pangulo: From now on, before you go to bed, think of the Romanovs. Think of Benito Mussolini and his wife. And think of what happened to you in 1986 and maybe you'll reconsider the direction that you are taking,” Mayor Duterte said in Filipino during that rally.

Anyone who follows history knows the Romanovs were the last ruling family of Czarist Russia who were deposed before being murdered while Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci were shot before their bodies were strung up for public display at a gas station.

Let’s make this clear; it’s one thing to say someone will regret making a decision, but it’s another thing to say he may get killed for it.

Was this just a mere warning, or is Mayor Duterte hinting at something he wants to happen?