Former president Duterte denies having a hand in plans to oust Marcos

Former president Rodrigo Duterte said only "crazy people" would associate him with the supposed destabilization plots against the Marcos administration.

In an interview with Davao-based reporters late Saturday evening, Duterte refuted rumors that he has secretly met with certain police, soldiers, and politicians regarding Marcos's ouster.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed earlier this month that those agitating current military personnel on destabilization plots are still connected with the Dutertes.

Duterte mentioned that he had "grown tired" of the reports linking him to the destabilization plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"Sino namang g****g police or pati military na makipag-meeting sa akin to destab (Who in their right mind — police or military — will meet with me to speak about destabilization against the current administration)? You must be crazy," Duterte said.

"Naging president na ako (I already became president). For what purpose: to place somebody else in place of (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.)? I'm comfortable with Marcos. Why should I replace him, and who am I to replace him at this time of my life?" he added.

Those who are circulating instability allegations, according to Duterte, are either "bulls****g around" or were motivated by "plain insecurity."

Duterte added that he "does not want chaos" and urged the public to follow the Constitution.

He added that change can happen through a democratic process, but not through bloody revolts or destabilization.

"Every time there is destabilization, or you break the process of democracy, you take a gamble. Destabilization is not the solution. Let the people decide, that is why we have elections. Let democracy work. Help democracy work," Duterte said.

Rumors on the destabilization plot against the Marcos administration surfaced in November 2023. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner denied any conspiracy or destabilization plot. Still, there were rumors from some retired officers.

Retired military officer and former information and communications technology secretary Eliseo Rio denied that his organization TNTrio and the September Twenty-One Reform Movement were spreading destabilizing rumors.

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a newspaper column on 23 December 2023 that Duterte would not launch a coup to overthrow the Marcos regime despite having close ties with uniformed officers during his administration.

Durterte rules out midterm election run

Meanwhile, Duterte announced he was giving up on running for an elective position in the midterm elections this 2025 shortly after hinting at a potential Senate run.

In order to reassure the people that this is the "truth," Duterte made it clear that he had no intention of leaving retirement.

The 78-year-old leader said that he is "tired" as well and even finds becoming involved in politics "disgusting."

"I am telling you the truth, wala na ako (I'm already done). Maski gusto ko man, pero hindi na kaya ng katawan ko (Even if I want to, my body can no longer handle it). Why do I have to make some pretensions here?" Duterte said.

"Ayoko na ng pulitika. Hindi naman ako nasusuka (I'm done with politics. It's not like I'm getting sick of it). I find it disgusting for me to still meddle in politics. Pagod na ako sa pulitika (I'm tired of politics). Count me out," Duterte added.

The former president said in November that if his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is impeached from her position, he would be compelled to run for Senate or vice president.