Palace Spokesperson Dismisses Duterte Camp Allegations as 'Lousy Script'
Years ago, lawyer Claire Castro emerged on social media during the peak popularity of Raffy Tulfo, with lawyer Randolf Libayan providing a counterpoint to Tulfo's focus on family issues. Tulfo later became a senator, while President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. hired Castro to strengthen his press relations team. Castro was not appointed as the President's official spokesperson, as Marcos often speaks for himself, but she handles affairs involving the Palace.
Reaction to Bribery Claims
Recently, reporters sought Castro's response to allegations made by lawyer Levito Baligod and 18 self-styled former Marines. They claimed that money changed hands years ago to influence governance in the Philippines. Castro described these claims as following a "lousy script," a characterization that aligns with public skepticism.
Judging from the public reaction, it is not hard to see why these allegations have gained little traction. Unlike previous exposes that led to regime changes, nobody seems to believe in these claims. President Marcos Jr. remains firmly in control, while Baligod and the former Marines remain on the periphery, failing to ignite public imagination.
Waning Influence of the Duterte Camp
Baligod is associated with the camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The failure of this recent initiative suggests that the influence of the Duterte camp is waning. With only his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, marshaling his forces in the Philippines, the so-called diehard Duterte supporters (DDS) appear lost.
This situation is not favorable for Vice President Sara, who has announced her candidacy for president in 2028. The DDS still hope for an "interim" release of Duterte by the ICC, but this prospect was jeopardized by Baligod's claims, which allege that some ICC judges received bribes from funds supposedly channeled through former senator Antonio Trillanes. Trillanes has denied these allegations.
Political Implications and Future Scenarios
The next development could involve Sara Duterte's impeachment case. President Marcos has previously stated he does not support impeaching the Vice President. However, with Sara continuing to criticize Marcos and efforts to oust him, this stance could change. Additionally, the President might jeopardize Sara's 2028 presidential chances.
A potential coalition between Marcos and former Vice President Leni Robredo could be damaging to Sara's ambitions. According to consensus, Sara is currently the most winnable presidential candidate. However, 2028 is still distant, and analysts anticipate changes as the election approaches and the political landscape clarifies.
Some, including the author, advocate for a second presidential run by Leni Robredo. A coalition involving Robredo, Marcos's forces, and the support of Senator Risa Hontiveros could be devastating to opposing camps, reshaping the electoral dynamics significantly.
