Political analyst and Stratbase ADR Institute President Dindo Manhit on Tuesday expressed confidence that President Bongbong Marcos can complete his term despite controversies facing his administration, including former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co’s allegations on ₱100-billion budget insertions and Sen. Imee Marcos’ claims of the President’s alleged drug use.
“Ang Pangulo sa tingin ko can survive this, because there are legitimate institutions of Philippine Society who believe that the President [is] being a legitimate authority, would like him to finish his term,” Manhit said.
He cited support from sectors capable of challenging a presidency, including “the business private sectors, the Catholic Church, which is a lot, a lot bigger than the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), [and] the military.”
Manhit stressed that these institutions demand adherence to the Constitution.
“Lahat ‘yan, hinihingi [nila na] Constitution ang sundin. So, sa Constitution, ang nais nila is magtapos ang Pangulo [sa termino nito],” he added.
He emphasized that their call is for accountability and justice regarding flood control controversies: “Humihingi lamang sila ng pananagutan at hustisya tungkol sa mga batikos o balita na may malaking nakawan sa flood control—I’m referring to the Church, business sector, legitimate civil society, and even the military.”
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla recently warned that rally calls urging Marcos’ removal could be investigated as potential incitement to sedition.
“That’s close to inciting to sedition, so i-investigate namin sila. [Ang] mga ganitong salita has no place in a civil society,” he said.