Palace press officer denies Duterte’s martial law claims against Marcos

Newly appointed Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday accused former President Rodrigo Duterte of spreading rumors and planting evidence regarding President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s alleged veering towards dictatorship.

Castro responded to Duterte's claim that Marcos might declare martial law like his father by questioning the evidence behind his statement, noting that Duterte had admitted to being an expert in making intrigues during his time as a fiscal and referencing the case of Senator Leila de Lima where such tactics were used.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin dismissed Duterte's claims as 'another budol (tall tale) emerging from a one-man fake-news factory', emphasizing that they would not backslide into oppressive ways of the previous administration.

Senate President Francis Escudero also rejected Duterte's claim, stating it was inconsistent and irrational, and emphasized he has known Marcos for over a decade without seeing any dictatorial tendencies in him.