Cebu: Malaca±ang on Friday addressed the brief tenure of political strategist Franco Mabanta as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s social media team in 2018, explaining that his involvement lasted only about six months due to differing messaging styles.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, during a media interview in Cebu, clarified that although Mabanta previously held the position of social media director for Marcos, there is no evidence suggesting that he currently has personal ties with the President. Castro stated, "Wala namang nagde-deny na naging social media director ng Pangulo itong si Franco Mabanta (No one is denying that Franco Mabanta served as the President's social media director)."
Castro further explained that Mabanta's brief stint, around six months, was due to his messaging style not being well-received. "Parang tumagal lamang po siya ng parang six months. Mga six months po dahil according sa nagbigay sa akin ng info, medyo hindi nagustuhan 'yung style. Yun lamang po ang naibigay sa aking info (He only lasted about six months because, according to the information given to me, his style was apparently not well liked. That is all the information I have)," she added.
Additionally, Castro dismissed any claims that Mabanta had a role in Marcos' successful 2022 presidential campaign, emphasizing that his involvement with the team occurred before the election period. She stressed that Mabanta's engagement with the Marcos camp was strictly professional, without any ongoing personal relationship.
Castro also referred to Mabanta's recent open letter to Marcos as evidence of the absence of a close personal connection. She challenged the public to provide any current photographs of Mabanta with the President, particularly at his wedding where some associates are linked to the 'Die-hard Duterte Supporters' (DDS).
Furthermore, Mabanta, along with four others, was reportedly arrested in an entrapment operation over an alleged attempt to extort PHP300 million from Marcos' cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
