THE recent call of former speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw its support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong Marcos Jr. is tantamount to an act of sedition or rebellion.

This is according to Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, who added that Alvarez is stoking the fires of divisiveness at a time when the country needs economic gains in order to address the problems of the nation.

“The remarks of the former speaker are uncalled for. That is tantamount to an act of sedition or rebellion,” Pimentel said.

Alvarez, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, made the remarks during a prayer rally of die-hard supporters of the former Chief Executive on Sunday.

He said that the AFP should withdraw support from President Marcos Jr. to prevent the escalation of the tension with China in the West Philippine Sea due to its illegal encroachment into Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Now is not the time to be divisive when our country is trying to promote our country to be an investment haven to foreign investors. Instead, we should all unite and give our support to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. with his effort for economic reforms,” Pimentel declared.

Former President Duterte found himself in hot water after the discovery of a “gentleman’s agreement” he made during his term with China for the Philippines to refrain from repairing the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal.

Many believed Duterte compromised the integrity of the Philippines’ assertion of its rights and sovereignty in the WPS.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco