MANILA — Malacañang clarified that the individuals who filed complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Office of the Ombudsman are not connected to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., dismissing speculation of political maneuvering.

“The complainants are not part of the President’s political allies, instead they are, in fact, his critics. So, how could he casually tell them to file plunder and graft charges against VP Sara,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a text message to reporters on Friday night.

Castro’s statement followed claims by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, deputy spokesperson of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), who alleged that the Marcos administration was involved in the complaint. Topacio also described the filing of criminal charges against Duterte as part of a “political stunt,” saying the “panic-stricken” government would do everything to prevent the Vice President from running for president.

Castro criticized what she called “obstructionists” for making such allegations and emphasized that the complaints against Duterte are based solely on her alleged misuse of public funds.

“It is clear that these obstructionists operate against President Marcos Jr. They will always fabricate stories to divert attention away from the corruption allegations against VP Sara,” Castro said.

“Are they blind, or are they simply diehard Duterte supporters? They should have checked who the complainants are in this instance.” (PNA)