Palace Officials Deny President's Knowledge of Alleged Term-Sharing Agreement
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. possesses no personal knowledge regarding the supposed term-sharing arrangement between himself and Vice President Sara Duterte, as asserted by the latter's alleged former aide, Ramil Madriaga. This statement was made by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
"For now, we will determine the full truth about this, but regarding what Mr. Ramil Madriaga and former President Duterte discussed, we have no personal knowledge of it, and even the President has no personal knowledge," Castro declared. She further emphasized the President's commitment, stating, "The President campaigned before the people, promised to serve the people, and pledged to complete the term for the nation."
Explosive Allegations Surface During Impeachment Hearings
The controversy erupted during a House Committee on Justice hearing on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, which was examining impeachment complaints against Vice President Duterte. Madriaga testified that the Duterte family had devised schemes to unseat President Marcos should he refuse to honor a term-sharing agreement.
According to Madriaga's testimony, in mid-2021, Marcos and his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, met with then-President Rodrigo Duterte to discuss a potential alliance for the 2022 national elections. The alleged agreement involved Marcos securing Duterte's support for a tandem with his daughter, Sara Duterte, under the condition that Marcos would step down from Malacañang in 2025 to allow her presidency.
Serious Claims of "Extraordinary Measures" and Political Backlash
Madriaga further claimed that shortly after Sara Duterte assumed office as vice president, discussions were held involving retired generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. These discussions allegedly focused on ensuring Marcos would serve less than four years, thereby preserving Duterte's eligibility to run for president in 2028.
The most severe allegations involve purported plans for "extraordinary measures" should Marcos refuse to step down voluntarily. These measures reportedly included mass resignations of government officials, civil disobedience campaigns, armed actions targeting Malacañang Palace, and even assassination plots against key officials to incite unrest.
In response to the alleged assassination plot against President Marcos, Castro indicated that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is mandated to investigate the matter.
Senator Imee Marcos Denounces Accusations as Lies
Presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos has vehemently denied Madriaga's claims, labeling him a "liar" and urging her brother to publicly address the allegations. "If you did not order this, there is no reason for you not to correct this falsehood. Do not tolerate politicians who are using the liar Madriaga," she stated.
Senator Marcos also refuted the term-sharing claim, noting that they had wanted Sara Duterte to be President. "PRRD has nothing to do with it… it's a lie," she asserted, referring to former President Rodrigo Duterte. She concluded with a firm declaration: "I will not remain silent. I will not allow our nation to be buried in lies."
The unfolding scandal adds significant tension to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte, raising questions about political alliances and stability within the Philippine government.
