Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday dismissed Vice President Sara Duterte's assertion that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. might be among government officials suspected of being pro-China if a list of alleged sympathizers is not disclosed. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro labeled Duterte's statement as absurd, citing Marcos' consistent efforts in defending Philippine sovereignty and rights in the contested West Philippine Sea (WPS).
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized the President's commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Philippines and its citizens. During a Palace briefing, Castro stated, "Nakita po natin kung paano ipaglaban ng Pangulo ang interes ng bansang Pilipinas at interes ng ating mga kababayan (We have seen how the President fights for the interests of the Philippines and our fellow citizens)." She added that many have admired and agreed with Marcos' stance on the country's sovereignty, particularly regarding the protection of rights in the WPS.
The Palace Press Officer further questioned why Vice President Duterte and her brother, Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte, were the only individuals objecting to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro's call for officials who do not support Philippine interests in the WPS to resign. Castro remarked, "Hindi natin alam bakit silang dalawa lamang na magkapatid ang umaalma (We don't know why only the two siblings are raising objections)," and noted that sometimes individuals react when they feel alluded to, even if not explicitly named.
Vice President Duterte previously suggested that without naming alleged pro-China officials, even President Marcos could potentially be considered among those suspected of favoring Beijing. Defense Secretary Teodoro emphasized that government officials are obligated to uphold Philippine laws and the country's stance on the WPS, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 29, which officially designates the WPS. He urged officials who cannot support the country's position to either challenge it through appropriate legal channels or resign.
Representative Duterte has criticized Secretary Teodoro's remarks as an alleged "loyalty test" and accused him of demonizing China. Meanwhile, the Vice President has challenged the Defense chief to identify the officials he refers to as "pro-China." The Duterte siblings' father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, faced criticism for his relatively conciliatory approach toward China during his presidency, particularly concerning disputes over Philippine claims in the WPS. Critics accused the former president of downplaying China's actions in disputed Philippine waters while pursuing closer economic ties with Beijing.
