NEWLY appointed Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday accused former President Rodrigo Duterte of fabricating rumors and planting evidence, following his latest remarks about President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
When asked about Duterte’s claim that Marcos might refuse to step down after his term ends in 2028, Castro questioned the former president’s basis for such statements.
She pointed out that Duterte himself had previously admitted to being an “expert” in creating intrigues.
“The first thing I asked was, what is the evidence? How can this be proven? We cannot simply believe baseless intrigues. If you recall, former President Duterte once admitted that even when he was still a prosecutor, he was already an expert in fabricating intrigues and planting evidence,” Castro stated.
She cited the case of former senator Leila de Lima as an example, suggesting that Duterte had engaged in similar tactics in the past.
“We have already proven that 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 claimed that Duterte and his allies are attempting to regain political power.
“We already know where they are headed—they want to reclaim authority, power, and position,” she said.
DUTERTE’S CLAIMS DISMISSED AS “FAKE NEWS”
Duterte recently alleged that Marcos could impose martial law, similar to his late father, to extend his presidency by preventing the 2028 elections. He also suggested that political opponents are attempting to remove his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, to block her potential candidacy in the next presidential race.
However, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin dismissed Duterte’s remarks as a “tall tale” from a “tyrant who did not respect the rights of the people.” He described Duterte’s claims as deceptive, calling them a product of a “one-man fake-news factory.”
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero also refuted Duterte’s allegations, labeling them as inconsistent and irrational. “When the accusation that PBBM was a weak leader who was not in control did not gain traction, now they are accusing him of the exact opposite—having dictatorial tendencies. It is not only inconsistent but also untrue,” Escudero said.
He added that after working closely with Marcos, he sees no indication that supports Duterte’s claims. “I can say with certainty that I do not subscribe to FPRRD’s statement because I simply do not see it and cannot infer nor believe it from PBBM’s attitude, outlook, and work ethic,” Escudero concluded.