MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said his threat to establish a revolutionary government to deal with destabilizers was not meant to prolong his stay in power.

“Nobody is interested here in this government, me especially, to go beyond my term, I don’t intend to perpetuate myself. I will not shame my family for any ambition in this world,” Duterte said in a speech in Camarines Sur.

Duterte said if he had a choice, he would leave office ahead of the expiration of his six-year term in 2022.

“Iyung sinasabi nila na mag-revolutionary government ako dahil gusto ko tumagal [sa pwesto], anak ng, kung maari lang pwede umatras nakakahiya lang. If you ask me if I’m happy, I’m not, because of the sheer volume of work,” he added.

Duterte earlier threatened to set up a revolutionary government amid alleged destabilization efforts by his enemies, including the rebels, the elite, and even the US Central Intelligence Agency.

Duterte said he will set up a revolutionary government and declare all positions in government vacant if the country will descend into chaos amid what he believes are efforts by his political enemies to destabilize his administration.

The President said declaring martial law nationwide would not be an option for him under this scenario since martial law would need the approval of Congress.

In response, opposition coalition Tindig Pilipinas slammed Duterte for his threat, saying only a “paranoid and insecure little man” would feel the need to do so.