Marcos, Duterte clash over US missile deployment

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. anticipated criticism from Vice President Sara Duterte regarding the government's handling of foreign policy and territorial disputes, particularly concerning the deployment of U.S. Typhon missile systems in the Philippines.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro responded to questions about Duterte's recent remarks by stating that the president is pro-Filipinos while the Dutertes are seen as pro-China.

Vice President Sara Duterte criticized Marcos Jr.'s government for allowing U.S. missile systems into the country and questioned its plan or vision to prepare for potential conflicts, expressing concern over foreign interference in national defense.

Despite their victory in Eleksyon 2022, the relationship between Marcos and Duterte has deteriorated, with Duterte stepping down from her post as Education secretary and resigning from Lakas-CMD due to political toxicity.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad emphasized that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to protect national interests and provide security for any efforts by the government to use natural resources, including defense against foreign interference.