Palace says alleged ouster vs Duterte wishful thinking

February 18, 2020

Malacanang downplayed on Tuesday talks about the supposed ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte, saying they were just "wishful thinking."

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte still enjoys the support of the majority of Filipinos.

"That's a wishful thinking. It's a pipe dream. It will never come to fruition. Filipinos, majority or overwhelming of...they are supportive of the President," he said.

There were reports that some groups were planning to oust Duterte by encouraging the people through social media to participate in the mass actions against him.

Among the issues being raised against Duterte were the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, the spread of the coronavirus, and press freedom amid the non-action yet on the ABS-CBN franchise, among others.

Panelo said the military is also "hundred percent" in support of Duterte.

Asked about some soldiers who were disappointed about the VFA termination, he said, "You're speculating, we don't know that. Let them speak their minds." Celerina Monte/DMS