Malacañang: Personal debts don’t override legal duties

Malacañang stated that personal debts of gratitude should not interfere with the government's responsibility to uphold laws and international commitments.

Undersecretary Claire Castro from the Presidential Communications Office made this statement in response to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s criticism of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. over the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court.

Castro cited a 2016 statement where then-Senator Marcos expressed gratitude for President Duterte's assistance in burying his father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, but emphasized that this does not mean he would neglect legal obligations.

She urged Davao residents to remain calm and seek out accurate information regarding recent events and denied claims of planned raids on Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s residence, labeling them as potential 'fake news'.