Duterte will not impose a revolutionary government not only because it has no constitutional and factual bases, but also because it is not in his interest.

A RevGov would result to the abolition of the Congress and even of the Supreme Court, and also of the Presidency to be replaced by a “revolutionary head of state”.

However, Duterte will not dismantle a co-opted Congress with a supermajority loyal to him and will not subdue a Supreme Court whose majority appears to be supportive of the incumbent President.

Moreover, the abolition of the Office of the President would deprive Duterte of a constitutional mandate.

The oft-repeated threat to declare a revolutionary government is intended to intimidate Duterte’s political foes and stifle dissent.

He is merely engaged in psychological warfare which is too obvious to conceal.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN