Malacañang has pushed back against Vice President Sara Duterte’s description of the arrest and detention of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as “drama,” defending Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s actions.
Duterte previously claimed that Remulla wanted to create “drama” during Romualdez’s arrest and detention.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Remulla acted immediately after an arrest warrant was issued against Duterte. She also questioned Duterte’s conduct at the Quezon City Hall of Justice Annex, where the vice president reportedly stayed outside for more than an hour despite the alleged danger.
Castro suggested that Duterte’s frustration may have come from the decision of the DILG and the Philippine National Police not to allow her to be handcuffed.
Remulla defended himself, saying he was simply doing his job and telling the truth.
He also urged Duterte to focus on more important matters, including her impeachment case.
The exchange reflects continuing political tensions between Duterte and government officials, with both sides defending their accounts of the events surrounding Romualdez’s arrest and detention.
