Newly appointed Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday accused former President Rodrigo Duterte of spreading unfounded rumors and fabricating evidence, dismissing his recent allegations against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Palace reporters sought Castro’s response to Duterte’s statement that Marcos might refuse to relinquish power when his term ends in 2028. In response, Castro questioned Duterte’s basis for such a claim, recalling that the former president himself once admitted to being an “expert” in creating intrigues.
“The first thing I asked was, what’s the evidence? How can this be proven? We cannot simply believe in baseless intrigues,” Castro said. “If you recall, former President Duterte admitted that, even during his time as a fiscal, he was an expert in making intrigues and planting evidence.”
She cited the case of former senator Leila de Lima as an example, asserting that Duterte’s past actions support her claim. “We have already proven this during the time of Senator Leila de Lima. So, what else can we expect from former President Duterte? Creating intrigues and planting evidence,” she added.
Castro further accused the Duterte camp of attempting to reclaim political power. “We know where this is headed—they want to regain power, authority, and position,” she stated.
Duterte’s Accusations and Government Response
Duterte recently alleged that Marcos might impose martial law, similar to his late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., to extend his stay in Malacañang by preventing elections. He also claimed that political opponents were trying to remove his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, to weaken her chances as a 2028 presidential candidate.
Over the weekend, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin dismissed Duterte’s statements as mere fabrications from a “tyrant who did not respect the rights of the people.” He described Duterte’s claims as “a tall tale” and “another deception from a one-man fake news factory.”
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero also rejected Duterte’s assertions, calling them inconsistent, irrational, and untrue.
“When their accusation that PBBM was a weak leader who was not in control did not gain traction, they now claim the exact opposite—that he has dictatorial tendencies. This is not only inconsistent but also irrational and false,” Escudero said in a statement Monday.
Having worked closely with Marcos for nearly a year, Escudero vouched for the president’s leadership. “I can say with certainty that I do not subscribe to FPRRD’s (former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s) statement because I simply do not see it, nor can I infer or believe it from PBBM’s attitude, outlook, and work ethic.”