THE uniformed men will be the first ones to stand up against President Rodrigo Duterte if anarchy breaks out under his watch, Duterte said during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern on August 26.
The President said this in reaction to a pronouncement of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno that the orders of the President with regards his campaign against illegal drugs will lead to anarchy.
Duterte believes that law enforcers will not permit him if he initiates a move that contradicts the rule of law.
"Do you think the military and the police will remain loyal to me when I do something that will create anarchy? Ako ang unang papatayin niyan ma'am, sa totoo lang," Duterte said.
The President then underscored that the loyalty of the security enforcer does not belong to him but to the Constitution and the flag of the Republic of the Philippines.
Duterte said that he will never allow anarchy to happen and that his acts will always be in accordance with the constitution.
"And for as long as I am doing right, they will support me. If I have the tendency to go ahead with anarchy and be a dictator, I know they will execute me. That's the truth if you really want to know. These guys only have the eyes to the Flag of the Republic of the Philippines and the written manifestation of the Flag is our Constitution," Duterte said.
Sereno’s apprehension of anarchy under a Duterte’s administration is groundless, as Duterte challenged Sereno to observe how the streets of Manila has become safe for the ordinary people under his watch.