Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson on Thursday reaffirmed his earlier statement that President Bongbong Marcos could be removed from office if he does not resign.
Speaking at the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) event in Ermita, Singson said, “Kung ‘di siya magbibitiw, I’m dead sure, mapapatalsik ‘yan.”
He also addressed the military, urging them to consider the future of the nation’s youth: “Ang mga military, maawa kayo sa mga anak n’yo. Kinabukasan na ng mga kabataan ang ninanakaw.”
Singson cited national hero Jose Rizal in calling on young Filipinos to unite and act: “May nakita ako na hindi ko makalimutan, ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan[…] Mga kabataan, gising po kayo. Lumaban po kayo pero sabay-sabay [at] hindi kaniya-kaniya.”
He urged all sectors to set aside personal ambitions for the nation’s sake: “Kapag kayo ang kumilos, susuporta po kami lahat. Kasi ang nagyayari ngayon, kaniya-kaniyang grupo, kaniya-kaniyang ambisyon. Kalimutan na natin mga ambisyon muna, kalimutan na natin [ang] politics.”
The former governor stressed the importance of focusing on the country’s welfare.
“We should concentrate for the sake of the honor of our country. Wala pong mangyayari diyan kung hindi tumulong ang mga military. Kung maawa sila at may gagawin sila, tapos ang boksing,” he said.
However, Singson clarified he supports only a peaceful movement and does not advocate military withdrawal or action against the President.
“I want a peaceful movement. Hindi ko sinasabi na mag-withdraw na ang mga military. Kung maawa sila, nasa konsensya na nila ‘yan[…] Kung may konsensya pa sila, sila mag-decide, hindi ako,” he added.
Singson had previously made similar statements regarding the potential removal of President Marcos on November 11.