Duterte is no dictator, says spokesperson

DAVAO CITY – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is no dictator, his spokesperson said, as outgoing President Benigno III raised yesterday the specter of martial law and the horrors that came with it.

"There's no need for people to worry and there's no need for people to believe what the incumbent president is saying that we should be on guard on dictatorship, na baka may diktador na looming. Hindi totoo yan,'' Panelo told reporters.

''President-elect Duterte is a lawyer and lawyers are trained to fealty and obedience to the Constitution. Iyun ang training namin, kaya 'di mo na kami maaalis doon, palaging laging nasa loob ng Saligang Batas."

In his final Independence Day speech, Aquino told Filipinos to remain vigilant as the country enters another chapter in its history.

''Ngayong papasok tayo sa panibagong kabanata ng ating kasaysayan, nawa'y hindi natin malimot: Ang kalayaan, kailangang bantayan at alagaan. Ang lahat ng mahalaga, kailangang pagsikapan; kailangang ipaglaban,'' he said.

The President also emphasized that the Filipino people once lost their freedom and this may happen again if the public becomes passive in guarding democracy.

"Minsan nang inagaw ng kapwa Pilipino ang ating kalayaan. Ibig sabihin, kung hindi tayo magiging mapagmatyag pwede itong mangyari ulit. Ngayong papasok tayo sa panibagong kabanata ng ating kasaysayan, nawa'y hindi natin malimot na ang kalayaan, kailangan bantayan at alagaan. Lahat ng mahalaga, kailangan pagsikapan, kailangan ipaglaban," he said.

Aquino had actively campaigned against Duterte in the run-up to May 9 elections, warning against the possible return of authoritarianism and dictatorship under the Duterte's leadership.

Duterte promised to reinstate the death penalty and issue shoot-to-kill orders against criminals in a bid to suppress criminality within three to six months. He had also threatened to close down Congress if he would face impeachment attempts as president.

Aquino has ordered his Cabinet to cooperate with the President-elect for a smooth transition of power.

At noon on June 30, Aquino will step down from office as Duterte is proclaimed the 16th President of the Philippines.