MANILA, Philippines — Former Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo launched a fierce rebuttal against Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday, defending ex-President Rodrigo Duterte’s stark warning that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is displaying “dictatorial tendencies.” Panelo accused the Marcos administration of operating as a “huge corporation of fake news” while dismissing Bersamin’s dismissal of Duterte as a “one-man fake news factory” as hypocritical and baseless.
Duterte ignited controversy last week by alleging that Marcos is “veering toward dictatorship,” invoking parallels to the late authoritarian leader Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Bersamin, a former Duterte-appointed Chief Justice, swiftly dismissed the claim as “fake news,” prompting Panelo’s impassioned defense.
Panelo: Bersamin’s “Hypocrisy” Exposed
Panelo lambasted Bersamin for abandoning past praise of Duterte’s governance, calling his criticism a politically convenient reversal. “When Bersamin benefited from Duterte’s appointments—first as Chief Justice, then as GSIS chairman—he sang hosannas for [Duterte’s] strict enforcement of the law. Now, as Marcos’s executive secretary, he sings a different tune,” Panelo said.
He challenged Bersamin to identify specific “fake news” in Duterte’s remarks, arguing that it is the current administration peddling falsehoods. “The real fake news empire is here,” Panelo asserted, listing alleged deceptions by the Marcos government.
Admin’s “Fake News” Catalogued
Panelo accused the administration of:
- Misleading Claims on Quiboloy Raid: Lying about police being “unarmed” during the controversial operation against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s church, which Duterte allies condemn as politically motivated.
- Budget Bill Irregularities: Rushing the 2025 General Appropriations Bill through “illegal” processes, bypassing constitutional scrutiny.
- Economic “Propaganda”: Boasting economic progress while Filipinos suffer soaring prices, unemployment, and stagnant infrastructure.
- False Security Narratives: Declaring victory over crime and drugs despite “escalating” narcotics trade and violence.
Dictatorship Defined by Constitutional Abuse
Panelo stressed that Duterte’s concerns stem from Marcos’ alleged disregard for constitutional norms. “A dictator ignores the rule of law,” he said, citing the administration’s tactics:
- Using impeachment as a “tool” to sideline 2028 presidential contenders.
- Weaponizing Congress and law enforcement to harass critics, including pro-Duterte and pro-Sara voices.
- Suppressing free speech through “chilling” probes targeting bloggers and podcasters.
“When you silence dissent, manipulate laws, and let power consolidate unchecked, the path to dictatorship is clear,” Panelo warned.
Conclusion: Duterte’s Fear “Valid”
Panelo framed Duterte’s remarks as a patriotic alarm bell. “His fear isn’t surprising—it’s a response to an administration normalizing constitutional abuse,” he concluded, urging the public to “scrutinize leaders who prioritize power over the people.”