Malacañang has rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. controls the Senate, courts and police.
Duterte recently said she does not trust law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. Her remarks came amid her ongoing impeachment case and other legal proceedings.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said government agencies are simply carrying out their respective mandates. She also criticized Duterte for accusing government institutions of persecution instead of addressing the complaints filed against her.
Castro rejected claims that evidence or complaints against Duterte were being manufactured. She said the cases involve issues attributed to the vice president and her actions.
The Palace has previously said it respects court decisions involving Duterte. In September, Malacañang said it respected a Quezon City court’s issuance of an arrest warrant against the vice president in connection with grave threats charges.
Castro also said the Supreme Court could investigate Duterte’s remarks about not trusting the courts and police. She noted that the high court may initiate an investigation on its own.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said Marcos has no plans to resign following statements from Duterte’s camp that she is prepared to assume the presidency. Castro said the president remains focused on his duties.
The statements come as Duterte’s impeachment proceedings continue before the Senate.
