Malacañang on Friday rejected allegations that the Marcos administration is weaponizing the law against political opponents, maintaining that the government is merely enforcing existing laws and upholding transparency and accountability.
Palace Press Officer Responds to Duterte Accusations
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the remarks in response to Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s accusation that the administration was using the law and government bureaucracy to punish critics and dissenters. Duterte made the comments in The Hague, Netherlands, following the arrest of Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former House Rep. Mike Defensor, who are among those facing a non-bailable plunder case before the Sandiganbayan.
Castro, in response, questioned whether critics expected the government to refrain from taking action against individuals accused of perpetrating crimes. “Do they want the government to do nothing, ignore what the law requires, and allow those accused of committing crimes against the nation to escape accountability?” she asked.
Challenge to Address Accusations Directly
Castro challenged those making allegations of political persecution to address the accusations against them directly instead of claiming that they were politically persecuted. She noted that under the watch of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., government authority is “being exercised properly and in accordance with the law.”
“Why don't they respond directly to the accusations instead of constantly claiming that they are being politically targeted?” she said.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s Allegations
Castro also cited allegations hurled at the Davao City mayor's sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, saying she has yet to deny accusations related to the alleged misuse of public funds and remarks she had previously made, including her alleged conversation with a killer. “Have they heard the Vice President deny the allegations of misusing public funds or deny her own admission that she had spoken to a killer about carrying out a killing?” she said.
She likewise mentioned the 2011 incident when the Vice President punched a sheriff, pointing out that assaulting an official constitutes a “real abuse of power.”
Commitment to Rule of Law
Castro said the administration remains committed to the rule of law and reminded that legal processes should be allowed to proceed in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
