JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has ordered an investigation into the statements of former House Speaker and current Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez calling for the military to withdraw their support for the Marcos administration.
“I have ordered an investigation on the statements of Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez to determine whether it has risen to the level of sedition, inciting to sedition, or even rebellion,” Remulla said.
At the same time, Remulla reminded Alvarez to act in accordance with the highest standards of ethics, morality, and nationalism.
He urged the former speaker to avoid remarks unbecoming of a member of the House of Representatives.
On Tuesday, Alvarez issued an apology after calling on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a statement, Alvarez explained that his remarks were made in the heat of the moment, with the intention of easing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
He maintained that his appeal to the AFP was not tantamount to sedition or rebellion, citing the peaceful nature of the prayer rally held in Tagum City.
Several members of the House urged the filing of charges against Alvarez.
Meanwhile, calls to withdraw support from the President are “futile” and will only lead to a “possible criminal investigation,” said Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“The AFP is standing steadfast in upholding the Constitution under the leadership of the Commander in Chief President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Calls for them to withdraw support will not amount to anything but to a possible criminal investigation,” he stressed.
“Any attempt to sway them away from this duty or to patronize them to support a partisan agenda is futile, particularly when this agenda dovetails with a foreign interest contrary to our own national interests,” the official added. (GP)
