Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on Tuesday disputed Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. considers doing business with China a national security threat, clarifying that the administration’s concern involves alleged foreign funding for political activities.
During a Palace press briefing, Castro challenged Duterte to identify when Marcos said that Filipinos should stop conducting business with China, calling the claim “fake news.”
“Meron bang sinabi ang Pangulo na hindi pwedeng makipag-negosyo ang Pilipinas sa China? Parang wala. So another fake news,” Castro said.
She stressed that the issue concerns alleged negotiations with foreign entities involving funds that could be used to finance political activities.
Castro also cited the Tapat at Malasakit Foundation, which allegedly received ₱150 million, questioning whether Duterte considered the organization a business.
“And one more thing, with that statement of the Vice President, it means she is really into business with China,” Castro added.
The Palace official’s remarks came in response to Duterte’s statements regarding the administration’s position on business dealings with China and national security concerns.
