Rep Adiong dismisses Duterte's dictator claims, cites Marcos's respectful governance

Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong dismissed claims by former president Rodrigo Duterte that President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is veering towards a dictatorship.

Adiong cited Vice President Sara Duterte's threats against the Marcos family and noted that despite such attacks, Marcos has not retaliated or taken vindictive actions, which he says are inconsistent with those of a dictator.

The lawmaker emphasized that Marcos's diplomatic responses and respect for the separation of powers demonstrate characteristics inconsistent with those of a dictator, as no elected official or Supreme Court justice was arrested during his administration.

Adiong highlighted that despite calls to convene a special Senate session, Marcos refrained from doing so, further emphasizing his respect for the separation of powers.

Manila 1st district Rep. Ernix Dionisio echoed Adiong's sentiment, calling Marcos 'one of the kindest presidents' and asserting that he is 'far from being a dictator'.

House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V dismissed Duterte's claims as misinformation, accusing Duterte's camp of creating a 'factory of fake news.'

Malacañang also refuted Duterte's allegations, with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stating the administration does not take them seriously and characterizing Duterte's claim as a 'budol (scam).'