MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has dismissed Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s recent inflammatory remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stating that the comments fall within the mayor’s right to free speech.
The controversy stems from a speech delivered by Mayor Duterte on Sunday, April 12, 2026, during the launch of the Reform Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (RAGE) Coalition in San Juan City.
In an appeal to public officials, Baste Duterte criticized what he described as a culture of theft and corruption tolerated by the current administration.
“Let’s say there was widespread theft, bribery, whatever. That should be enough… You’ve already taken so much, and you still want more?” Duterte said. He concluded his speech by stating, “We only need one head and that’s the head of Bongbong Marcos!”
Secretary Remulla, whose department oversees the Philippine National Police (PNP), took a dismissive tone when asked about the potential for legal action.
“It’s still within the bounds of his rights,” Remulla said in a text message to reporters. He further downplayed the significance of the statement, calling the mayor a “coward” (supot) and suggesting the public should not “put too much weight” on his words.
The remarks come amid deepening friction between the Marcos and Duterte camps.
- RAGE Coalition: The new group is part of a broader “Rage Coalition” formed by Duterte allies to challenge the administration’s policies.
- Precedent of Legal Action: The PNP previously filed charges against retired Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz, a Duterte ally, for similar remarks against the President. However, in the case of the Davao City Mayor, the DILG appears to be taking a hands-off approach to avoid escalating the political standoff.
- Palace Response: Malacañang has previously stated that President Marcos is “not affected by ambition” or the various opposition movements being launched by the Duterte family.
As the 2028 election cycle begins to loom on the horizon, analysts suggest that such rhetoric is becoming a staple of the political landscape, signaling a complete breakdown of the “UniTeam” alliance that dominated the 2022 elections.