Arroyo on Duterte: "A Much Stronger Leader Than I Am"

Previous President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and currently House Deputy Speaker asserted that President Rodrigo Duterte is more skillful in handling police and uniformed services as he declared a state of lawless violence. "I did not experience (them) being abusive and I don't think they will be abusive now. In any case, President Duterte is a much stronger leader than I am. So if I can handle them he can handle them even better"

''President Duterte is a much stronger leader than I am so if I could handle them, he can handle them even better," Arroyo stated.

Arroyo added that Duterte doesn't need her advice about running the whole country because he himself have enough experience already as the past executor for 7 terms in Davao City for the past 22 years. 

"President Duterte knows all the lessons because he has been helping me a lot during my time. He was my adviser on peace and order, especially on drugs and kidnapping. He knows my experience. He knows all the lessons," She added. 

The President allies said that the declaration only means that not only the military or the police can help suppress lawless violence. The declaration will not be martial law, nor in leading to suspension of civil rights but it will be a declaration of awareness for the Filipino people to understand and comprehend the events that's going on in our country. 

                                                    (photo credits: www.philstar.com)

2003, Arroyo declared Davao under the state of lawlessness after attacks on the international airport and Sasa Wharf left two dozen innocent people killed. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella previously said that the declaration is provided under the Constitution 1987. 

Abella specifically quoted Article VII, Section 18 of the charter, which reads: "The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion."

Duterte said the declaration would be ongoing until he knows that everyone "is already safe" from the threat of terrorism and narcotics.

Source: ABS-CBN