Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a warning regarding the decline of freedom of expression under the leadership of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Following the cancellation of a planned rally in Tacloban City on May 25, Duterte publicly criticized the situation, attributing it to “forces of darkness” that pose a threat to the nation’s right to express grievances.
He accused his successor of deliberately obstructing the rally, which was supposed to feature him and his close allies as speakers. Duterte mentioned that the Marcos administration’s approach to stifling peaceful dissent was evident in their actions to prevent the rally from taking place.
The former president emphasized that dissent was allowed during his tenure, highlighting his commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly without interference.
Expressing his concern for the state of the nation, Duterte stressed the importance of freedom of expression, especially in a time marked by a lack of transparency, accountability, and peace in the country.
The connection to the Romualdez clan, known for their ties to the Marcos family, raised suspicions that local officials may have been involved in canceling the rally. However, the city government cited a typhoon as the reason for the disruption of various events, including the planned gathering.
Recent incidents involving the relocation and cancellation of Duterte’s rallies in different cities indicated a troubling trend that didn’t go unnoticed by his camp. Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte condemned the suppression of the assembly in Bulacan, vowing to continue the fight against oppression and for constitutional rights.
The ongoing conflict between the Dutertes and Marcoses, despite being part of the same ruling coalition, might lead to a deeper divide within the political landscape, especially as the midterm elections approach.
Despite Duterte’s critique of Marcos’ leadership, his track record raises doubts about his credibility as a champion of free speech, given his past actions against the media and critics during his presidency.
Both Duterte and Marcos have been accused of limiting civic space through oppressive measures, making it challenging for them to justify their complaints about governmental harassment.
While concerns persist about media freedom and the obstacles faced by grassroots organizations, holding both Marcos Jr and Duterte accountable for their roles in restricting democratic rights is essential.
Ultimately, the call for accountability extends to all parties involved in upholding democratic values and protecting the fundamental rights of the Filipino people.