Malacañang dismisses Duterte's martial law claims as baseless

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's claims that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might not cede power when his term ends and could impose martial law were dismissed by Malacañang on Sunday as 'tall tales' from a 'one-man fake-news factory'.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Duterte's statements are baseless, noting that Duterte falsely portrayed the current administration as a threat to democracy.

Bersamin emphasized that the Marcos administration will uphold the constitution and adhere to the rule of law while protecting the rights of the Filipino people.

He stressed that Duterte’s previous administration was known for disregarding individual rights and violating due process, in stark contrast to the current government's commitment to upholding democratic principles.

Palace officials reiterated that Duterte's depiction of the Marcos administration as tyrannical is inaccurate given his own oppressive practices during his presidency.

The alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families has deteriorated since early 2024 when Duterte accused Marcos Jr. of using illegal drugs, leading to Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation from her position as Education Secretary.