Defense spokesperson Michael Poa on Monday denied a report claiming that Vice President Sara Duterte had requested a private meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling the report fake news.
Poa said he had spoken with Duterte and confirmed that the report circulating online was false. The claim alleged that Duterte had sought a private conversation with Marcos.
The Palace had earlier said there was no confirmation of the report circulating on social media about an alleged conversation between Duterte and Marcos.
Poa also linked the latest report to an earlier claim involving the defense team. Months ago, reports circulated alleging that Poa had been hit with a laptop by Duterte. He said the latest report was similar to that earlier claim.
The denial came after the 17th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro had previously said the reported communication between Duterte and Marcos had not been confirmed.
Castro also said Marcos would be willing to speak with Duterte if the vice president requested a conversation.
The report about the supposed meeting request continued to circulate online despite the lack of confirmation from the Palace.
Poa’s statement directly rejected the claim, saying the reported request by Duterte to meet with Marcos was fake news.
