<p>
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano revived talks of the Plan B, this time officially,  during the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, of the Liberal Party's alleged plan to unseat President Duterte and replace him with Robredo.  However, the supposed Plan B will not prosper and will not muster the support of the people and the military.
</p>
<p>
On September 21, 2016, the anniversary of President Marcos' declaration of Martial Law, President Duterte visited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) – 9th Infantry Division headquartered at Camp Elias Angeles, Camarines Sur. It has to be emphasized that Duterte is the first Philippine President to visit this base.
</p>
<p>
In fact, Duterte is the only President who visited the most number of military bases since assuming office. No other President had visited so many camps in so short a time. The record of former President Fidel V. Ramos would pale in comparison, time wise.
</p>
<p>
The President, in his visits to military camps, promised to double the pay of soldiers, give them all the equipment that they need, provide scholarships for the children of those who will die in action, and additional financial benefits, among others.
</p>
<p>
His visits to military camps have boosted the morale of soldiers. They look at him not only as their Commander-in-Chief but also as their doting and caring father. Less than a hundred days in office, President Duterte has gained the respect and the loyalty of the military.
</p>
<h3>
Military to act on its own
</h3>
<p>
In his speech before the 9th Infantry Brigade, the President said in part (while showing and waving the third "narco-list"):
</p>
<div class="article-comment">
<p>
"Paano ko makaya ito? Hindi ko naman ito madampot at patayin ko. Wala iyan eh. Ayaw ko naman ng Martial Law. This will destroy your children, o yung mga apo ninyo and the next generation. Kaya tayo dito nagpapakamatay ... they are not safe anymore." (How can I handle this? I cannot just arrest them and kill them. That is nothing. I do not like Martial Law. This will destroy your children, or your grandchildren and the next generation. That is why we are ready to die ... because they are not safe anymore.)
</p>
</div>
<p>
The President admitted that it is the technicality of the law that makes it hard for him to deal swiftly with the problem of illegal drugs and criminality.
</p>
<p>
He added:
</p>
<div class="article-comment">
<p> 
"If that problem outlasts me, for whatever reason, mamatay ako, matanggal, oh ano sa buhay na ito. Sinabi ko sa inyo, isa sa mga opisyal, do not, do not abandon. Resolbahin ninyo ang problema na iyan kasi sisirain ang Pilipinas niyan." ("If that problem outlasts me, for whatever reason, I died, I am removed from this life. I say to you, I said to one of your officers, do not, do not abandon it. Resolve this problem because this will destroy the Philippines.")
</p>
</div>
<p>
He ended his speech by extolling the troops to act on their own in this wise –
</p>
<div class="article-comment">
<p>
"Bigyan mo ng kopya ang AFP (referring to the narco-list). Bahala na kayo. Bahala na kayo. Ako hindi ko talaga alam. Kaya ko pag medyo patagalin pa ako dito, pero pagnawala ako bigla x xx bahala na kayo. Gamitin ninyo ang konsiyensa. Ayaw ninyo- ok. (Give a copy to the AFP. It is up to you. It is up to you. For me, I don't know. I can do it if I am allowed to stay here longer. But, if I will be suddenly gone … it is all up to you. Use your conscience. You do not want it – ok. ) You do not want to make a move – fine. It's your country. It's my country. But, we have a problem."
</p>
</div>
<p>
It is my opinion that if President Duterte will suddenly be gone, then the military will act on its own and take control of the government.
</p>
<h3>
Sworn duty of the AFP
</h3>

<p>
Section 5, Article XVI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that:
</p>
<div class="article-comment">
<p>
 "All members of the armed forces shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and defend this Constitution." The prior Section 4 states that the AFP shall "keep a regular force necessary for the security of the State."
</p>
</div>
<p>
So, in other words, the primary duty of the military is to secure the State and to uphold and defend the Constitution.
</p>
<p>
However, Section 3, Article II of the Constitution is more encompassing:
</p>
<div class="article-comment">
<p>
 "The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory."
</p>
</div>

<p>
Section 18 of Article VII mandates that the President, as the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines, whenever it becomes necessary, may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion.
</p>
<p>
In the simplest term, the AFP should be the protector of the people and the State, and may act on its own to uphold and defend the Constitution.
</p>
<p>
<strong>The alleged Plan B will not be successful. It will be thwarted, not only by the people themselves, but also by the military. The AFP and its men will heed their conscience and clean up this country.
</strong>
</p>

<p>
<strong>Sources</strong>: 
</p>
<ol class="article-sources">
<li>
Plan D: Military takeover in case of Duterte's sudden departure by Al S. Vitangcol III, September 24, 2016 (<a href="https://goo.gl/GvqvW2" class="news_link" target="_blank" title="Source">Manila Times</a>)
</li>
</ol>
<p>
<small>
<i>
(Most of this article is adapted from the source list above.  We are unable to grant permission for any kind of reproduction of this article other than social media shares.)
</i>
</small>
</p>


Thwarting plan B with military takeover in case of Duterte's sudden departure