THE House of Representatives will conduct a congressional probe into the reported plot to topple down the Duterte presidency by former United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg.
“That is a bad news,” Alvarez told a radio interview.
“We need to investigate it and find out the bottom line of the report. Because if the report has basis, the reported plan [to oust President Duterte] was alarming. This is a clear case of the US interfering in the affairs of the Philippines,” Alvarez added.
Alvarez stressed any ouster plot against President Duterte and his administration will not in any way succeed, given the strong support of the military and the Filipino people.
“Our Armed Forces is professional and its leadership is strong. Their commander-in-chief knows fully well they have a caring President who always looks after them, and that their concerns are addressed properly. They know for a fact that the President has been doing his best to potect the interests of the Filipino people,” Alvarez said.
In Malacanang, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Tuesday President Duterte continued to enjoy the trust of the Filipino people and would be difficult for him to be ousted.
“As we can all see, you know, the President continues to enjoy the trust of the people. And the people on the ground, apparently, appreciate what he’s doing. So again let me just say that, according to the article, whoever attempts this will find it difficult,” Abella said.
Abella also clarified the US State Department had denied participation in a supposed plot to unseat the President.
“We have not received any news from the [US] State Department… As far as I know, as far as I have been informed, the State Department has denied anything of this sort, and has denied participation of anything of this sort,” he added.
A newspaper report claimed Tuesday Goldberg, with whom Duterte had a bitter relationship following criticisms over his war on drugs, had allegedly “outlined a list of “strategies” to undermine President Duterte with a timetable of one-and-a-half years.”
Asked to clarify if the Palace agrees with Goldberg that the ouster is “difficult” to carry out, Abella replied: “I am just saying that that’s what Goldberg said. I don’t need to agree.”
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, meanwhile, said “no one will admit ownership of the alleged ouster plot document.”
“Until then, it remains part and parcel of a larger conspiracy theory. Ambassador Philip Goldberg already exited the Philippines, so therefore, we no longer have to deal with him. We have already in our midst a new and much more empathetic US Ambassador in His Excellency Sung Kim,” he added.
Alvarez said the congressional inquiry would push through when Congress resumes session starting January 16 if it is within their jurisdiction.
“It is going to be a public hearing, and all sectors, personalites concerned and mentioned in the report will be invited,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez expressed belief the US could have been disappointed over the fact that the Philippines elected a president that will never be a US puppet.
He said the US never expected that Duterte, a known critic of the US, will win and became the president of the Republic of the Philippines in fhe same manner they did not expect Donald Trump would win as US President.
“They want a puppet president who will bow to their whims and caprices,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez expressed belief the Filipino people would not allow the ouster of “very popular” and “well loved” President Duterte.
He also warmed those behind the ouster of Duterte to make up their mind and never mess up with the Duterte preidency.
Reps. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, Rodolfo Albano of Isabela and Gus Tambunting of Parañaque City also played down the ouster move against Duterte.