Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro Claire Castro on Friday pushed back against claims by former presidential spokesman Harry Roque that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintains close ties with political strategist Franco Mabanta, saying there is no denial of past association but questioning allegations of a current relationship.

Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro responded to statements made by former spokesperson Harry Roque, who alleged that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Franco Mabanta are friends.

Castro said it was not being disputed that Mabanta had previously worked as a social media director for Marcos and that the two were seen together in 2018. However, she emphasized that the issue being raised concerns the present relationship between the two.

“We’re talking about now,” Castro said in a press briefing, noting that references to past interactions do not necessarily reflect current ties.

She also challenged Roque to present evidence supporting his claim, specifically asking for photographs showing Marcos and Mabanta together in recent events.

Castro pointed in particular to a wedding, where she noted the presence of personalities allegedly associated with the so-called “DDS” or supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, but said no proof has been shown linking Marcos to the event.

“Chichallenge ko rin, bigyan niya ako ng larawan na magkasama si Franco Mabanta at ang Pangulong Marcos Jr. Lalong-lalo na sa kanyang wedding, kung saan ang mga kasamahan niya ay parang nagagawi sa tinatawag na DDS.”

Roque has yet to respond to the challenge as of press time.