Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on Tuesday called Senator Imee Marcos’ allegations of a supposed charter change and a “no-el” or “no elections” scenario in 2028 a “diversionary tactic.”
This follows Senator Marcos’ accusation on Monday that the current administration is pushing for charter change and a possible extension of officials’ terms.
During an interview with the reporters, Castro said the allegations were meant to draw attention away from controversies surrounding the Senate and the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Sa ating pagkakaintindi dito, ito ay para matakpan, matabunan ang totoong isyu, nalalapit na po ang impeachment trial. Alam naman natin kung ano ang gusto ni Senator Imee pagdating sa impeachment trial, wala pa ngang trial pero parang meron na siyang judgement,” she said.
The Palace official also linked the issue to recent turmoil involving the alleged “escape” of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and the shooting incident within Senate premises on May 13.
“And at the same time para mapagtakpan kung anong nangyari talaga sa Senado. Papaano naitakas o nailabas ni Senator Robin Padilla si Senator Bato. At kung paano nagkaroon ng putukan at sino ba talaga ang nagpasimula nito at sino ba talaga ang nais na magkaroon ng ganitong klaseng gulo,” Castro added.
Asked directly if she viewed the allegations as a diversionary tactic, Castro replied, “The way I see it, oo, diversionary tactic ‘yan.”
Castro maintained that the renewed discussions on charter change and claims of a “no-election” plot were intended to overshadow other pressing issues confronting the Senate, including the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
The PCO official said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would continue to uphold the Constitution and comply with existing laws governing the 2028 national elections.
“Unang-una ang pangulo noon pa natin sinasabi, lagi ‘yan sumusunod sa batas. Due process. Kung ano man ang tungkol sa batas, hindi ‘yan lumalabas sa batas. Mayroon tayong batas patungkol sa susunod na eleksyon, 2028, nakakasiguro tayo na ang pangulo ay susunod sa batas,” Castro said.
She also questioned the basis of Senator Imee’s allegations, saying, “Ang tanungin niyo kung si Senator Imee ba ay nakakasiguro na ang kanyang sinasabi ay totoo.”
Castro likewise denied that President Marcos had any involvement in efforts to amend the Constitution to delay or cancel the 2028 elections, contrary to claims raised by his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, during a privilege speech.
Meanwhile, before departing for Japan on Tuesday for a state visit scheduled from May 26 to May 29, President Marcos smirked when asked about his sister’s claims that he was pursuing a “no election” scenario.
