Enrile: People power a 'no bluffing matter'

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile on Sunday underscored that people power is a ''no bluffing matter.''

He advised those pushing for revolution or people power ''to go ahead to a shop and buy your revolutionary or people power kit, and start the game you like, if you really can do it.''

''Revolution or people power is no bluffing matter. It is an ultima ratio, where there is no point of return. It is a zero-sum game. Either you win or you lose. That's it,'' Enrile said in a Facebook post.

Enrile made the remark after a number of individuals gathered at EDSA Shrine in the past few days. Reports said supporters of the Duterte family have started flocking to EDSA Shrine on Tuesday, November 26, in the midst of its rift with the Marcoses.

''You have to prove your case. I have a professional obligation as you have yours to your patron. We must respect each other's choice. I am candid and true to my professional ethics,'' Enrile said.

Enrile, who served as Senate president, stressed that he is no longer in politics, adding that he does not want any rift.

''Ako ay isang civilian na abogado ng pangulo. Ayaw ko ng gulo. Ayaw ko ng away. Ngunit ipagtatanggol ko ang aking paniwala, gaya nang ipagtatanggol ninyo ang inyong paniniwala. Fair and clear di ba?'' Enrile said.

(I am a civilian who is a legal counsel for the president. I don't want any trouble. I don't want any rift. But I will defend my beliefs, just as you will defend your beliefs. Fair and square, right?)

The EDSA Shrine was established in December 1989 as a dedication to Mary, Queen of Peace who was believed to have played a part in the peaceful and bloodless People Power Revolution that ousted former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1986.

It was referred to as “Holy Ground” after another peaceful edition of People Power took place on EDSA in January 2001.

To recall, Enrile was the elder Marcos' secretary of justice and defense minister when martial law was declared in 1972. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA Integrated News