MALACAÑANG on Monday rejected allegations from Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio claiming the Marcos administration is orchestrating a political stunt to undermine her, characterizing her statements as completely groundless.
At a news briefing, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. personally contacted her to directly address the Vice-President’s assertions.
“He said it is nonsense, fake news. They are fond of lying,” Ms. Castro quoted the President as saying in Filipino.
Ms. Castro emphasized that the Chief Executive does not sanction fabricated narratives aimed at bringing down opposition figures. However, she noted that allegations involving public funds warrant a thorough investigation if accompanied by concrete evidence.
Ms. Duterte made the accusation on Saturday while denying allegations that she received money from a former security aide of ex-House Speaker Lord Allan Q. Velasco.
“We cannot simply ignore all these lies coming from an obstructionist, from a destabilizer,” Ms. Castro said. “If it is pure defamation against the government, this should not be believed if it has no basis.” — Erika Mae P. Sinaking