Malacañang on Thursday rejected Vice President Sara Duterte's claim that the recent conflict in the Senate reflects the weak leadership of the Marcos administration.
Palace Press Officer Denies Involvement
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had no involvement in the developments in the Senate, including the May 13 gunfire incident inside the Senate premises and the dispute over Senate leadership.
"What we should remember, and this is on record, is that the gunfire incident that happened in the Senate was not ordered by the President," Castro said in Filipino.
She disputed claims that the Senate turmoil is a reflection of the Marcos administration's weakness. She maintained that the President remains focused on addressing the needs of Filipinos amid global challenges and the recent earthquake in Mindanao.
Accusations of Lies and Distractions
"Repeated lies place us in a quagmire," Castro said. "While the President continues to work to extend assistance and improve the lives of every Filipino, especially as we face a global oil crisis and the recent earthquake in Mindanao, the Vice President continues to attack and alter the narrative."
Castro pointed out that some senators involved in efforts to change the Senate leadership and influence developments related to the impeachment proceedings against Duterte are political allies of the Vice President.
"So, the people behind all these, the same ones who say that the impeachment should be dismissed, all of this is for the protection of the Vice President," she said. "It is not true that this is about weakness in the administration's leadership. Rather, it is about the continued abuse of power for the benefit of their allies. Let us not make a habit of tarnishing others just to appear as victims in the eyes of the public."
Due Process and Rule of Law
Asked if the Palace is concerned over the possible impact of the Senate gridlock on the impeachment proceedings, Castro said the President's concern is to ensure that due process and rule of law are observed.
"If someone needs to be held accountable, they should be held accountable; if a name needs to be cleared, it should be cleared," she said. Castro added that the public deserves to know the truth through established legal processes.
