A lawmaker has refuted claims that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is heading toward dictatorship, saying the chief executive has remained diplomatic despite facing strong attacks, including threats to his life and family.
Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said on Monday that he sees no signs of dictatorship in Marcos, citing the president’s calm response even after Vice President Sara Duterte reportedly made threats against him, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in November 2024.
“Is he a dictator when he has been badmouthed, threatened, and yet has not retaliated? He has the power at his disposal but has chosen to remain diplomatic,” Adiong said in a press briefing at the Batasang Pambansa complex.
The lawmaker also pointed out that under Marcos’ leadership, no sitting senator has been detained, nor has any Supreme Court justice been removed from office—an apparent contrast to past administrations. He mentioned the cases of former Sen. Leila de Lima and former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who faced legal actions during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.
Adiong further noted that Marcos did not intervene to push for a Senate session that could have led to Duterte’s impeachment trial, emphasizing his respect for the separation of powers.
His remarks came after former President Duterte accused Marcos of leaning toward dictatorship, a claim that Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin dismissed as misinformation.
Meanwhile, Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Paolo Ortega recently criticized the former president, calling him a “father-faker” for allegedly spreading false information to boost his Senate candidates.
