Malacañang explicitly accused former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor on Friday of involvement in an alleged destabilization plot targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Palace’s remarks came a day after several former security aides and dismissed Navy personnel retracted previous claims that they had delivered cash-filled suitcases to President Marcos, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and other lawmakers.
In a recorded video sent to Palace reporters, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro condemned the scheme.
”Nakikita naman natin ang style ng mga Duterte supporters kung paano sila mag-hire ng mga tao na gumawa ng kathang-isip na kwento kapalit ang malaking halaga, laban sa Pangulo,” Castro stated.
”Marami nakakaramdam na parte ito ng plano ni Mike Defensor at ibang kasamahan niya para sa isang destabilisasyon,” she added.
”Ako ay nagsasalita lamang para kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., hindi para sa kwento laban sa ibang tao,” she clarified.
Castro warned the public against falling for unsubstantiated claims.
”Kaya sa mga kababayan natin ay huwag magpabitag sa ganitong plano para lang sa pera dahil may mga taong inosente ang inyong sisirain,” she advised.
”Kung ano man ang mga naimbestigahan ng Office of the Ombudsman sa Maleta Boys patungkol kay dating speaker Romualdez at ibang ituturo pa, ay nasa kamay na po ‘yan ng Office of the Ombudsman,” Castro concluded.
Defensor had accompanied the former aides and their attorney, Atty. Levito Baligod, during media briefings and congressional inquiries where they claimed to have facilitated the delivery of illicit public funds to the President.
Defensor is currently detained in Quezon City while facing a plunder charge before the Sandiganbayan.