Davao City First District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte has publicly called on Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to tone down his rhetoric after the cabinet official warned that calls to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could border on sedition.
Constitutional Rights Under Fire
In a statement released on November 18, 2025, Duterte strongly criticized Remulla's position, arguing that it fundamentally disregards basic constitutional rights. The lawmaker pointed out that the Bill of Rights has been part of the Philippine Constitution since 1987, though he joked that "some people treat it like optional reading."
Duterte went further, asking half-jokingly whether Remulla wanted Article III, Section 4 of the Constitution laminated "so he wouldn't get lost." This section guarantees freedom of speech and expression among other fundamental rights.
Martial Law Comparisons Emerge
The political tension escalated when Duterte directly referenced the country's martial law history in his criticism. "You're ridiculous. A small rally, sedition. A simple question—sedition. A quick budget check, sedition," Duterte stated in his November 18 declaration.
He challenged the administration's approach to dissent, asking if they preferred to operate under martial law conditions. "If that's the case, then say it outright: Asking questions is forbidden. Criticizing is forbidden. Demanding accountability is forbidden. Are we going for martial law vibes now?" Duterte continued.
The timing of these comments is particularly significant given that various groups, including Kabataan Partylist-Southern Mindanao, had recently commemorated the 52nd anniversary of martial law declaration by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on September 21, 1972.
Military Procurement Concerns Raised
Beyond the constitutional debate, Duterte raised serious concerns about the Armed Forces of the Philippines' procurement and inventory management. He revealed that some military camps had only half of their required weapons, while others were still using outdated M16 rifles.
The lawmaker specifically cited "ghost projects" in the military budget and questioned whether he could send his staff to conduct inspections to verify these claims.
The controversy stems from Remulla's earlier statements to reporters where he announced that authorities would investigate statements made during the United People's Initiative (UPI) rally on November 16. During that event, some participants had called for President Marcos' resignation or urged the AFP to withdraw support from the president.
Remulla had characterized these expressions as "close to inciting sedition" and declared they had "no place in civil society." He emphasized that any investigation would follow due process while pursuing "truth, accountability, and justice."
The UPI rally at the EDSA monument occurred simultaneously with a separate three-day Iglesia ni Cristo gathering at Luneta Park, where participants similarly advocated for government transparency and accountability.
Duterte concluded his criticism by questioning whether the country still functioned as a democracy "or an emotional support group where officials are easily offended." He warned that public frustration wouldn't disappear through silencing or intimidation tactics, urging administration officials to "wake up and listen" to legitimate public concerns.
