Duterte tells soldiers to follow orders: The Constitution is nothing to me

President Rodrigo Duterte has assured soldiers anew he will protect them for doing their duty as he stressed that the Constitution is worthless to him when protecting people was the issue.

In his speech at the Presidential Security Group’s 120th founding anniversary, Duterte implied that he will disregard the Constitution with regard to martial law.

“Constitution na sige sila daldal ng Constitution, that’s nothing to me actually. Tayo, ikaw, we’re sworn into the Armed Forces, me into the presidency by simply saying that — by not so many words, ‘that I will preserve and defend the Filipino people.’ Period. Wala na ’yang ano pang sabihin, martial law, martial law,” he said.

“That is the long and short of our duty. Wagla na ‘yang papel, papel. Any crisis, I do not… Do not give me that piece of paper. It doesn’t mean anything to me at all,” the President added.

Addressing soldiers, Duterte said: “You just go ahead and do your — whatever is ordered. I will see you through and assure you, you will be a free man.”

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 due to the conflict between government forces and the Maute group in Marawi City.

He said soldiers should not think of civilians when deciding whether or not to kill during the conflict.

“Yung mga disgrasya na ‘yan, hindi na sinasadya. Do not hesitate to kill just because there are civilians there. It is the duty of the civilians to flee or seek cover,” Duterte said.