Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte sounded the alarm over reports that powerful businessmen are allegedly orchestrating a military-backed “reset” of government, including moves to install a business tycoon as caretaker president. 

In a statement released by his office, Duterte described the claims as “alarming and outright unconstitutional,” citing a Politiko report that named Ramon Ang as being eyed for the role. “If true, this signals a dangerous point in our history—where the Philippines looks less like a republic and more like a banana republic run by the highest bidder,” Duterte said. 

However, Ramon Ang himself has publicly clarified that he is not interested in any such role and dismissed speculation linking him to the alleged plot. His denial underscores the sensitivity of the issue and distances him from the controversy. 

Duterte alleged that another tycoon had pressured Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to resign and was funding a group linked to military officials. He warned that such actions amount to “corporate capture of the State” and a “hostile takeover of our democracy.” 

“The Philippines is not for sale. The presidency is not a corporate seat. And the Filipino people are not employees waiting for instructions from an oligarch boardroom,” Duterte declared, adding that the power to choose leaders belongs solely to the people. 

He urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to uphold their constitutional mandate and resist promises of wealth from “selfish acts of the few.” 

“The Filipino people deserve a government—not an oligarch syndicate,” Duterte emphasized, vowing that he and his allies “will not be silent” against attempts to undermine democracy. 

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