The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia has denounced the alleged plot to harm President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his family, calling it “a cowardly and un-Filipino act that endangers not just one man, but the entire nation.”
The information surfaced online after blogger Pebbles Cunanan claimed that certain groups linked to supporters of the previous administration were allegedly discussing plans to harm the President. Cunanan also mentioned a supposed “Sara Army” allegedly training in Sorsogon with the knowledge of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
Goitia, chairman emeritus of several civic and advocacy groups including Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, urged the public to reject all forms of violence and protect the nation’s democratic institutions.
“You may disagree with his decisions. You may even oppose his policies. But plotting violence is never, ever justified. In a democracy, we argue with words, not with weapons,” Goitia said.
He emphasized that any person found guilty of conspiring to harm the President must face the full force of the law, saying such acts “are not only crimes but assaults on the very foundations of our Republic.”
According to him, safeguarding the President also means safeguarding national stability. “The President represents the government itself, the unity of our State. If the presidency is attacked, the nation is weakened. Protecting the President means protecting the Republic,” he said.
Goitia likewise reminded the public that behind every political leader is a family deserving of safety and dignity and called for restraint in spreading unverified claims online. “Let’s not fuel panic or division. Instead of sharing rumors, share vigilance. Instead of anger, promote peace.” TRACY CABRERA