Malacañang has refuted Vice President Sara Duterte's statement that the ongoing conflict in the Senate reflects the administration's leadership. According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the events that caused tension in the upper chamber were not ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Castro stated that records show the gun-related incident in the Senate had the approval of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. She also noted that Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa himself admitted that his attendance in the Senate was aimed at changing the chamber's leadership and pursuing the impeachment of the Vice President.
Castro further emphasized that President Marcos did not order Senator Robin Padilla to assist Dela Rosa in leaving the Senate. According to Malacañang, the personalities involved in these incidents are all close allies of the Vice President.
Thus, Castro said the root of the Senate chaos is not weak leadership but the alleged abuse of power to protect the Vice President. In conclusion, Castro advised the Vice President not to habitually smear others to appear as a victim in the eyes of the public.
