Why declare martial law? Duterte says getting impeached is humiliating

President Rodrigo Duterte has admitted that he declared martial law in Mindanao to avoid being impeached for neglecting his duty, pointing out that getting removed from his post is an embarrassing scenario for him.

Duterte made the comment during his visit to the troops in war-torn Marawi City on Thursday afternoon.

The President told them that it was part of his job to declare martial law because the situation in Marawi was getting critical.

“Intindihin naman ninyo na ang trabaho ko Presidente, because of the critical conditions as was said by your military and the Defense Department, I had to declare martial law. Otherwise, I would be the candidate for impeachment also. Mas mabigat iyan, puwede akong maalis sa puwesto at nakakahiya,” he said.

The President sympathized with the soldiers who lost 99 of their comrades because of the protracted crisis that the pro-ISIS Maute group started on May 23.

“So ako ang taong nasasaktan, talagang every night kung mabasa ko iyong briefer nababasa ko iyong ilang casualty. Maski iyong sabihin ninyo na it was I who declared martial law at ako iyong nag-utos dito na pumunta kayo,” he said.

“I grieve maski doon sa namatay na mga civilian. Ganoon rin para sa akin lalo na sa sundalo na ako ang nag-utos na pumunta kayo dito para makipag-away at mamatay,” he added.

The President may be impeached for violating the Constitution; for committing treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes; or for betraying public trust.

Duterte was already slapped with an impeachment complaint in March filed by Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano. But the House justice committee dismissed it in June.

Duterte was finally able to land in Marawi City on Thursday after two previous attempts to visit the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Kampo Ranao.

Aside from talking to the troops, Duterte also led a command conference, inspected the firearms and ammunition seized from the enemy, and distributed grocery packs and watches to 3,000 policemen and soldiers fighting at the frontlines.

“I love you all. I will take care of you,” Duterte told the soldiers and policemen as he promised to double their pay by next year and build a trust fund for the education of their children before his term ends. — RSJ/KVD, GMA News