The tension between the Marcos administration and the Duterte camp escalated on Monday, Feb. 24, as Malacañang accused former president Rodrigo Duterte and his allies of spreading false claims to regain political influence.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed Duterte’s remarks that the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte was intended to prevent her from running in the 2028 elections. She alleged that Duterte and his supporters have been maligning the government in rallies.
“They have been defaming the President and the government. It’s clear where they are headed—they want to regain power,” Castro told reporters.
She emphasized that President Marcos had no role in the impeachment process and would not interfere with the House of Representatives, which operates independently.
The House, dominated by administration allies, impeached the vice president earlier this month over allegations of misusing confidential funds and making threats against Marcos and other top officials. The case has been forwarded to the Senate for trial.
Duterte, speaking at a rally in Mandaue City, claimed politics was behind his daughter’s impeachment and accused Marcos of dictatorial tendencies, suggesting he would not step down in 2028. Castro dismissed the allegations, citing Duterte’s past controversial statements, including his unfulfilled campaign promise to ride a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea.
Responding to Duterte’s claims that crime and illegal drugs were rampant in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, Castro questioned his credibility. “Even Davao City? His son is the mayor there. Does that mean his son is inefficient?” she remarked.
Senate President Francis Escudero also rejected Duterte’s claims, calling them “inconsistent, irrational, and untrue.” House allies of Marcos, including Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega and Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, likewise refuted Duterte’s allegations.
Meanwhile, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed his agency’s ongoing investigation into an alleged assassination plot linked to the vice president. He said he is ready to testify in her impeachment trial if required.
