Advising President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. to step down at the height of escalating tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea, and turning over the reins of government to Vice President Sara Duterte is a misplaced, if not convoluted, sense of public duty.

“Former Speaker (Pantaleon) Alvarez’s remarks are not only defeatist but dangerously naive. To suggest that President Marcos Jr. should resign in the face of aggression is to misunderstand the very essence of leadership and national sovereignty,” House Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre of Tingog Partylist observed.

Acidre reminded the incumbent congressman of Davao del Norte’s first district this is the time that the Philippines, led by Marcos, that “we must stand firm in defending our territorial integrity and uphold our rights in the West Philippine Sea.” 

“We must confront our challenges head-on, not by backing down, but by asserting our rightful place in the international community,” Acidre emphasized further.

“It may be true that it is no one’s responsibility to demonize one particular country, it is however best to be reminded that it is every government official’s sworn duty to protect and defend the Constitution – including every inch of our national territory,” he said, referring to Marcos’ mandate.

As head of state, Acidre said it is President Marcos’ duty to defend the country at all costs, and to make sure that the “Philippines should not be bullied into submission or inaction.”

“Our focus on economic development and addressing societal issues does not preclude the protection of our national interests,” Acidre said.

“It is possible, and imperative, to pursue both. Calling for resignation instead of resilience and resolve shows a lack of faith in our nation’s capabilities and the leadership of President Marcos Jr.,” Acidre said of Alvarez, who is an ally of former president Duterte and his VP-daughter. 

In a statement released Holy Wednesday, Alvarez advised Marcos to step down as a way to “de-escalate the tension in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China.”