Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, in a bold statement during a prayer rally in Davao City on Sunday, suggested that he would order the arrest of individuals associated with the people’s initiative aimed at amending the Constitution if he were to return to power.

The former president’s remarks have sparked speculation and raised questions among netizens regarding whether Duterte was attempting to destabilize the political landscape or incite the military into intervention.

“By the grace of God [if] if I return…” Duterte began, but his words were drowned out by the enthusiastic cheers of his supporters, underscoring the charged atmosphere of the event.

While Duterte’s statements coincided with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” kickoff rally at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, the former president vehemently expressed skepticism about the proposed constitutional changes.

“If I do return, I will arrest all of you for the swindling of the Filipino people. You committed fraud. You wasted our money. People’s initiative [should not] involve buying the votes or signatures of the Filipino people,” Duterte asserted, emphasizing his concerns about the legitimacy of the constitutional amendment process.

Duterte also called on the military and police to protect the Constitution against perceived threats.

“Kung nakikinig kayo, gusto niyo iwasan ang dugo, kayo lang makakapigil nito. Tigilin niyong kalokohan na ‘yan or yung mga rally na ganito will multiply all over the Philippines,” he urged, sparking further discussions on potential military intervention.

He further raised his case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) during his tirade against Marcos, suggesting that allegations of his involvement in extrajudicial activities might have been the result of political maneuvering.

In an apparent response to the ongoing constitutional discussions, Duterte questioned the need for revising the Constitution.

However, his threat to order military enforcers to “ruin” Congress and call for the independence of regions in case the people’s initiative pushes through added a layer of complexity to his stance.

Duterte’s remarks echoed previous claims of a destabilization move against the administration, which were initially reported by Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

However, the AFP later clarified that there was no such plot, and Duterte distanced himself from any alleged anti-Marcos administration involvement.