Davao City First District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte has strongly condemned recent reports suggesting San Miguel Corporation president Ramon Ang is being considered for a "caretaker president" role in an alleged military-backed government reset, labeling such possibilities as both alarming and unconstitutional.
Duterte's Strong Condemnation
In a statement released on November 20, 2025, the congressman expressed grave concerns about what he described as a "full-blown attempt by powerful businessmen to influence, manipulate, and possibly direct the highest levels of government." His comments came in response to a Politiko report that had floated Ang's name as a potential interim leader.
Duterte warned that if these reports prove accurate, the Philippines would be reaching a dangerous point in its history, potentially transforming from a republic into what he called a "banana republic" controlled by the highest bidder. He emphasized that the power to choose leaders belongs exclusively to the Filipino people, not to wealthy tycoons engaging in backdoor deals or financial political maneuvers.
Corporate Capture of the State
The lawmaker made his position unequivocally clear, stating: "The Philippines is not for sale. The presidency is not a corporate seat. Filipinos are not employees waiting for instructions." He characterized any attempt at a political "reset" as nothing less than a hostile takeover of Philippine democracy and vowed not to remain silent in the face of such developments.
Duterte revealed that he has received information indicating three individuals are already acting as de facto presidents, with Ang's alleged inclusion demonstrating what he described as "oligarchs lining up to install one of their own." He starkly contrasted this situation with proper governance, asserting: "This is not governance or democracy. This is a corporate capture of the state."
Allegations of Political Interference
The congressman made several serious allegations, claiming that a business tycoon had pressured former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to resign and is allegedly providing financial support to Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.
Addressing military and police personnel directly, Duterte urged: "To the members of the AFP and the PNP, remember that promises of momentary wealth mean nothing if our children and their children will suffer because of the selfish acts of a few. Remember your mandate. Protect the Constitution and fight for your country."
He concluded with a powerful message about the nature of Philippine sovereignty, stating: "The Filipino people deserve a government, not an oligarch syndicate. The Philippines is not a playground for billionaires and not a business venture where they can simply reset things when they no longer like what is happening in the government."
The original Politiko report had suggested that some business groups were promoting Ang as a "consensus caretaker" amid corruption scandals and political instability surrounding the Marcos administration, following allegations raised by former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co and Senator Imee Marcos.
