President Rodrigo Duterte of Philippines on Monday instructed the army and police to shoot him if he became a dictator and stayed on beyond his term, a scenario his foes are warning against, amid moves by his loyalists to change the constitution. “If I overstay and wanted to become a dictator, shoot me, I am not joking,” Duterte told soldiers during an army base visit, adding that security forces should not allow anybody to mess with the constitution. “It is your job to protect the constitution and to protect the people. Remember, it is your solemn duty.”Duterte has advocated federalism to tackle inequality, empower provinces and recognize the country’s diverse makeup. Opponents warn it could lead to a repeat of the oppressive rule of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, saying they are troubled by Duterte’s admiration for Marcos and his similar authoritarian traits.

Source: Punch January 22, 2018 12:22 UTC