Malacañang denies Duterte's dictatorship claims

Malacañang has dismissed former President Rodrigo Duterte's claim that President Marcos Jr. is leaning towards dictatorship as a "hoax" and a "one-man fake-news factory."

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin asserted that the Marcos administration will uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.

Duterte had alleged during a rally that Marcos Jr. might not cede power in 2028 and could impose martial law, citing the late Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr.

Administration lawmakers have echoed this sentiment, with House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V accusing Duterte and his allies of being a "factory of fake news" and "super villains" for fabricating stories.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong added that Marcos' lack of retaliation against Duterte's verbal assaults and threats serves as proof that the accusations are baseless.

However, Ex-Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo countered Bersamin, defending Duterte's statement and suggesting Bersamin's criticism stems from his current position in the Marcos administration.

Panelo also argued that Bersamin made the "one-man fake-news factory" label without pointing to any false information, instead labeling the current dispensation as a "huge corporation of fake news."

The government estimates that at least 6,117 people died in Mr. Duterte's anti-illegal drug campaign between July 1, 2016, and May 31, 2022, but human rights groups say the death toll could be as high as 30,000.