Duterte slams govt for stifling dissent

TACLOBAN CITY — Former president Rodrigo Duterte accused the administration of blocking an anti-government rally here Saturday, but the organizers said they were compelled to cancel the event because of Tropical Storm Aghon.

In an open letter to residents of Tacloban, the bailiwick of the Marcos-allied Romualdez clan, Duterte said the cancellation of the Maisug Rally highlighted the administration's policy of stifling peaceful dissent.

«This is for all those whose flights have been canceled, travel to the city has been restricted, and normal activities have been disrupted by unscheduled power interruptions and obstruction in the use of the Remedios Trinidad Romualdez (RTR) Plaza,» Duterte said.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

He said this was not the first time the government tried to stop similar rallies. They succeeded in Bulacan but failed to do so in Davao City, Cebu City, Tagum, Davao del Norte and Dumaguete City, Duterte said.

«Innocent government workers were either relieved or suspended as collateral damage to these rallies, including Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. The message is clear: unless you do your part in thwarting these rallies, you pay dearly for it,» he added.

The rally in Tacloban was originally set for Saturday, May 25, but the event's organizer, TAPS Coalition, said they had no option but to cancel the event due to problems caused by Tropical Storm Aghon.

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«Because of the storm Aghon, which is affecting areas like Tacloban City, there are no accessible sea transport or aircraft schedules. Thus, our guest of honor will be unable to attend,» the statement said in Filipino.

In his open letter, Duterte said he would continue to speak out against the dangers posed by the administration.

«If only I were the only one who would be made to suffer, I would not hesitate to stop getting the message across to the people of Tacloban and the rest of the country. All of you know that is not the case. Among other things, the economy will worsen, the peace and order situation will further deteriorate, and a war that does not concern us will break out anytime,» Duterte said.

«Worse,