PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte appealed to state forces on Wednesday, September 26, to talk to him, instead of attempting to stage a "stupid" mutiny against the government, if they think he no longer deserves the highest position in the land.
In a speech delivered in Calamba City, Laguna, the Chief Executive re-assured the police and the military that he would not abuse his power, as he was willing to vacate his post upon their request.
"Do not go into such stupid thing na kudeta kudeta (such as coup d'etat). You're wasting your time," Duterte said during the send-off ceremony for the 250 Bureau of Jail Management and Penology vehicles at the Camp General Vicente Lim in Laguna.
"Just talk to me. And if you think that you are right, I will agree with you and I will step down. Uuwi na ako sa amin (I will go back home)," he added.
Duterte made the call two days after he felt dismayed by some soldiers' alleged connivance with opposition forces who want to oust him by October.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has echoed Duterte's previous claim that his political rivals are planning to unseat him in October.
Brigadier General Antonio Parlade, AFP deputy chief of staff for operations, earlier said the massive ouster plot, dubbed as "Red October," would push through.
In his latest speech, Duterte said the government forces would only look "silly" in joining his political enemies to topple the government.
The President said it would be better if they just communicate to him, telling them that he would even be "happy" to step down from office since he was "already tired."
"By the way, do not nurture personal loyalty to me. I don't need it. I was elected by the people. You have your mandate. 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 am also already tired)," he said.
"You know, you'd look silly [if you stage coup d'etat]. Do not do that. Just go to my office tapos mag-usap tayo (I will hear you. And if you think that tama ka at matanda na talaga ako at hindi na ako makakapag-trabaho (that you are right that I am already old and I could no longer do my job) or I am no longer be able to articulate what I should be doing in government, just tell me," Duterte added. (SunStar Philippines)