Malacañang dismisses Duterte's gold theft claim

Malacañang dismissed former President Rodrigo Duterte's claim that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stole the country's gold reserves, describing it as a campaign joke but one that will be taken seriously.

During a political rally in Mandaue, Cebu, Duterte criticized Marcos for allegedly stealing and selling the nation’s gold, questioning how the economy would fare without these reserves.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro questioned Duterte's credibility, noting his past campaign promises such as riding a jet ski to assert territorial rights.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) clarified that it alone manages the country's gross international reserves, including gold, which are used solely for meeting forex requirements and not for other purposes.

Castro highlighted that Duterte never provides evidence or details when making such claims, despite being a lawyer by profession.

Vetern broadcaster Jay Ruiz was sworn in as the new Ad Interim Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office following Chavez's resignation.

Duterte’s criticisms of Marcos have intensified ahead of the 2025 midterm elections, where most of Marcos’ senatorial bets are leading in polls.