Intelligence agencies have begun investigating columnist Ramon “Mon” Tulfo’s social media claim accusing the Duterte family of backing an alleged effort by retired military officials to destabilize the Marcos administration.
Palace press officer Claire Castro confirmed Tuesday that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other intelligence units are already “monitoring and verifying” the allegations.
“But it doesn’t mean that just because something is said on social media, it should be believed immediately. It still needs to be validated,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
In a Facebook post, Tulfo alleged that Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson were among the “possible financiers” of a supposed campaign to undermine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government. Tulfo, however, presented no evidence and declined to identify his sources.
Vice President Duterte immediately denied any involvement, calling the accusations mere “gossip.”
Among those named by Tulfo were six retired military officials, including retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz, who reportedly joined a march at Camp Aguinaldo before the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rally. Poquiz was said to have met AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and urged soldiers to withdraw support from the President.
Poquiz and Singson were later included in a list of individuals Malacañang asked to probe for possible incitement to sedition. Also mentioned was Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who firmly denied any connection to the alleged plot.
“Such rumors are false, misleading, and harmful to the trust and unity our nation needs today,” Magalong said, adding that what truly harms the country are “false accusations and unfounded claims in the guise of journalism.”
When asked if Malacañang considered the alleged destabilization a serious threat, Castro said it would depend on the findings of the intelligence community.
“If they find anything that truly needs attention, our President will not ignore it,” she said, noting that none of those named by Tulfo have been found to have violated any laws so far.
“This really needs to be investigated, because while they may claim it’s freedom of expression, we also have to determine where the limits are,” Castro added.
