Palace Press Officer Claire Castro and Sen. Imee Marcos (Marcos photo: Senate/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang denied claims of Sen. Imee Marcos that the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte was part of a whole-of-government plan to eliminate the family before the 2028 presidential elections. 

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the political inclination of the president’s sister has been apparent in recent years but the administration stands firm that such allegations are not true. 

“Hindi na po siguro kataka-taka kung ganyan po ang kanyang magiging panuran, ang kanyang opinyon,” Castro said. 

“Bago pa naman po siguro nag-hearing ay makikita na po natin kung saan ba nagawi ni Senator Imee Marcos,” she said.

“Pero karagdagan, of course, ang Palasyo dine-deny kung anuman ang kanyang opinyon,” Castro said. 

Earlier in the day, the reelectionist senator had earlier said the Ombudsman should investigate the government officials involved in what was believed to be an illegal and politically motivated arrest of the former president. 

Shortly after the arrest, Imee launched a Senate probe that exposed details about the government’s surrender of the former president to the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

The senator grilled the cabinet members of her brother and some key government officials who, in the process, found themselves with conflicting answers before Duterte allies. 

The preliminary investigation arrived at three findings: 

1. The Philippines had no legal obligation to arrest former president Rodrigo Duterte and turn him to the International Criminal Court. 
2. The Philippine government decided to assist the ICC to arrest the former president. 
3. There were glaring violations of the rights of the former president.

The president’s sister has cleared that it was not her intention for her hearing to be anti-administration. 

In a local sortie, Imee said she will deliver the findings of the third hearing on April 29. 

“It’s apparent that the final arrest of the former president on March 11 was part of a whole-of-government effort to bring down the Dutertes as early as possible before 2028,” Sen. Marcos said. 

Senate President Chiz Escudero, meanwhile, called out Senator Marco and reminded her not to use the Senate as an avenue for personal political intentions. 

RELATED STORIES:

VP Sara on Imee, Camille Villar endorsement: ‘We are united by a common vision’ 

VP Sara officially endorses Imee 

But of course, Binoe endorses Imee!

Senate panel initial findings see ‘glaring violations’ of Duterte’s constitutional rights during arrest 

Imee to Chiz on Special Envoy release order: ‘This isn’t just disappointing, it’s dangerous’ 

Escudero issues show cause order to Special Envoy after release; tells Imee ‘don’t use Senate for personal political objectives’ 

Bato, Imee clash with Remulla on Duterte ICC surrender as Interpol diffusion only ordered extradition

Imee on CIDG chief’s arrest bluff on Duterte lawyers: Shouldn’t Torre be liable for grave threats? 

Senate panel initial findings see ‘glaring violations’ of Duterte’s constitutional rights during arrest 

Imee: ICC officials arrived in PH, probed Duterte in 2024