In a strong rebuttal to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent allegations, Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero firmly denied any suggestion that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is veering toward dictatorship. Escudero’s statement came in response to Duterte’s comments made during an indignation rally in Mandaue City on Saturday, where he speculated that Marcos might emulate his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., by declaring martial law to extend his rule beyond 2028.
Escudero, who has known Marcos for over a decade and has worked closely with him for nearly a year, expressed his disagreement with Duterte’s accusations in a Viber message to reporters on Monday. He described Duterte’s claims as not only inconsistent but also baseless, pointing out the contradiction in Duterte’s earlier assertions that Marcos was a weak leader who lacked control. Escudero emphasized that these new allegations of dictatorial tendencies are a complete reversal of the previous narrative and lack any foundation in reality.
“I do not agree and do not subscribe to his accusation at all,” Escudero stated, underscoring his disbelief in Duterte’s claims. He further elaborated that he could not infer any dictatorial tendencies from Marcos’s attitude, outlook, and work ethic, having observed him closely over the years.
The controversy arose when Duterte, speaking at the rally, suggested that Marcos might be planning to follow in his father’s footsteps and declare martial law to extend his term beyond the constitutional limit of 2028. This accusation has stirred significant public debate, given the historical context of martial law under Marcos Sr., which remains a sensitive topic in Philippine politics.
In response, Malacañang, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, also dismissed Duterte’s allegations as baseless and ridiculous. Bersamin characterized Duterte’s statements as a ‘budol’ or scam, labeling him a ‘one-man fake news factory.’ He emphasized that the Marcos administration does not take these accusations seriously and views them as mere fabrications from a man known for spreading hoaxes.
Bersamin reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and assured the public that there would be no return to the oppressive practices of the previous administration. He stressed that the current government is focused on maintaining a democratic and transparent governance system, contrary to Duterte’s claims.
The incident highlights the ongoing political tensions between Duterte and Marcos, with Duterte’s accusations reflecting his continued influence and the potential for political unrest. However, both Escudero and Malacañang’s firm rebuttals underscore the administration’s stance on maintaining democratic governance and rejecting any suggestions of authoritarianism.