Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened on Tuesday to declare “martial law” in the country if its judiciary gets in the way of his national war on illegal drugs, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.
Such bombastic remarks are characteristic of Duterte, who took the Philippines’ highest office in June after serving for years as the mayor of the city of Davao. In Davao, he made his reputation as an unorthodox enforcer with no tolerance for the illegal drug trade — a campaign he has carried into federal office. Hundreds have died in the so-called “war on drugs” since his inauguration.
His comments on Tuesday come amid an ongoing spat with the country’s judiciary. Earlier this week, Duterte released a comprehensive list of judges, politicians, and military personnel whom he alleged were involved in the narcotics trade. The country’s Chief Justice, Lourdes Sereno, responded in a letter questioning his legal procedure, but Duterte seems undeterred.
“Don’t create a crisis because I will order everybody in the executive department not to honor you,” the President said before a military audience Tuesday, in reference to Sereno.
According to the Inquirer, Duterte added: “You want me to be frank? You’re interfering.”
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com