Malacañang Palace pushed back on Monday against Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte after he questioned the achievements of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte made the remarks during the “Rage Coalition” event on Saturday, where he criticized the administration of Marcos Jr., claiming it has led to the return of illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro rejected the claims and questioned the credibility of critics who, she said, are frequently out of the country.
“Sa ngayon po kasi kung sino pa yung madalas nagbabakasyon sila pa po yung naghahanap ng ginagawang trabaho. Hindi natin sila masisisi kung sila’y bulag at bingi sa ginagawa ng Pangulo dahil siguro wala sila sa bansa,” Castro said.
Responding to Duterte’s claim that illegal drugs and criminality have worsened, Castro cited a recent police operation in Davao City and presented a report involving the seizure of suspected shabu and firearms.
She then questioned the criticism, asking: “Hindi po ba sakop niya ito?”
Castro also defended the administration’s anti-corruption efforts, saying cases are being pursued against those found liable.
“Patuloy po ang administrasyon na ito para panagutin ang dapat managot,” she said, adding that one individual who admitted to corruption and theft of public funds is now “in The Hague.”
“Undeclared martial law” claim
Castro likewise rejected Duterte’s allegation that an “undeclared martial law” is being implemented, where critics are allegedly being jailed for opposing the government.
She stressed that media freedom and expression remain protected under the Marcos administration.
“Kayo po na mga taga-media ang makakaramdam kung mayroon po bang implied martial law na nagaganap,” she said, adding that press freedom and freedom of expression continue to be upheld under the current administration, unlike during the previous administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Ang pagbibigay ng kalayaan at hindi pagsawata at hindi pagkitil sa mga taga-media at iba nating mga kababayan ng kanilang karapatan, lalo na itong freedom of the press at freedom of expression, hindi po ito sinasawata ng Pangulo; mas naramdaman ito sa panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte.”
The Mayor's statement was mentioned during the same event on Saturday.
“Tama si Mike. This is not even a silent martial law, it is a martial law without declaring it formally. Ang dami nang nakukulong, may mga kaso and for what? because they oppose the actions of the administration. Is that so wrong?” he said.
