Duterte told not to sow discord between House, AFP
A CONGRESSMAN on Sunday urged ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte to stop creating tension between the military and the House of Representatives.
鈥淚 respectfully appeal to former President Rodrigo Duterte to recognize the paramount importance of keeping our Armed Forces and national police free from partisan politics,鈥 House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose M. Dalipe said in a statement.
鈥淭hese institutions serve as the bedrock of our nation鈥檚 security, and their effectiveness relies on unity and impartiality.鈥
The ex-President on Nov. 15 told SMNI channel TV in Filipino: 鈥淲atch the military as well as the police closely. You who are conniving in Congress, I am not scaring you, but watch the military and the police.鈥
鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 not worried that they will prevail鈥 because the military is there,鈥 Mr. Duterte said.
Mr. Dalipe called Mr. Duterte鈥檚 remarks 鈥渂aseless statements.鈥
鈥淭he Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police have more important things to do than watch Congress, as claimed by the former President,鈥 he added.
The congressman said the military and police must be insulated from partisan activities and should maintain the highest degree of professionalism.
The House on Nov. 6 passed a resolution upholding its 鈥渋ntegrity and honor鈥 after Mr. Duterte issued scathing remarks against the institution.
Mr. Duterte described the House as the country鈥檚 鈥渕ost rotten institution鈥 after congressmen on Oct. 10 stripped several agencies including the Office of the Vice President and the Education department of their confidential funds.
Lawmakers transferred P1.23 billion worth of these budgets to security agencies amid worsening tensions with China.
Mr. Duterte is the father of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is also Education secretary.
Ms. Duterte-Carpio in May resigned from Lakas-CMD after congressmen demoted her ally, former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, from the senior deputy speaker post. 鈥斅Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
