Malacañang has downplayed Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent remarks alleging that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. intends to remain in power beyond his term, calling her statements “pure speculation.”
According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, Duterte’s claims only create confusion and misinformation among the public.
“Kung puro haka-haka lang, wala talaga tayong makukuhang matinong sagot sa issue. Maraming malolokong mga kababayan natin sa maling kwento niya,” Castro said.
VP Sara earlier insisted that her statements were not baseless accusations, citing supposed evidence that the President wanted to push for constitutional amendments.
“Hindi pagbibintang ‘yan. May ebidensya yan,” she said, referring to the failed people’s initiative and Charter Change efforts led by the 19th Congress.
The Vice President also recounted a private discussion she claimed to have had with President Marcos and Senator Imee Marcos in October 2023 before the President’s trip to the United States, where Charter Change allegedly became part of their conversation.
“Doon sinabi ni BBM na alam niya ang galawan ng Charter Change,” she recalled.
However, Castro countered that VP Sara’s narrative does not align with the President’s actual stance. She emphasized that Marcos himself stated in February 2023 that Charter Change was not a priority of his administration.
“There are so many other things that we need to do first… For me, lahat itong pinag-uusapan kaya nating gawin na hindi palitan ang Saligang Batas,” Marcos said at the time.
Castro also subtly reminded Duterte that even her own allies — Senator Robin Padilla and Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez — were among the most vocal proponents of Charter Change during the period she was referring to.
The Palace’s statement comes amid renewed political tension between the Marcos and Duterte camps, further intensifying speculation about a widening rift between the country’s two top leaders.