MANILA — Malacañang dismissed allegations that the administration is pushing for Charter change through a constituent assembly, suggesting the issue may be intended to distract the public from other controversies, including the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a media report, it said that Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement following a Senate privilege speech on Monday, during which Senator Imee Marcos presented a video alleging efforts to amend the Constitution via a constituent assembly and extend the terms of incumbent officials.

Castro said the issue may also be an attempt to divert attention from other political matters, including Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s alleged escape from Senate protective custody.

“This is not a Palace statement. On my part, bilang isang ordinaryong Pilipino, iyon ang nakikita ko na nais nilang pagtakpan dahil iyon ang issue. Ngayon para hindi mabaling sa kanila ang usapan, ibabaling nila sa minority,” Castro told Super Radyo dzBB.

She denied that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was pushing for a constituent assembly, insisting the administration is focused on other national concerns.

“Mismong mga kasamahan niya ang nagsabi na hindi totoo. Kung sila mismo sinasabi na kalokohan at kasinungalingan, what more kay President Ferdinand Marcos Jr,” she said.

Castro added that Charter change is not part of the President’s agenda during government meetings.

“Kapag kami ay nagme-meeting, ni hindi ‘yan napag-uusapan. Pinag-uusapan dito kahapon, El Niño. Ang daming meetings ng Pangulo pero hindi ‘yan ang agenda kasi walang balak sa ganyan. Hindi ‘yan ang priority ng Pangulo at hindi ‘yan gagawin,” she said.

She urged the public not to be alarmed by the allegations, saying there is no indication of any move toward Charter change.

“Sa mga kababayan natin, ‘yang mga ganiyang klaseng kwento, hangga’t walang nakikitang sinisimulan, wag maaalarma. Wala akong nakikitang senyales na ‘yan ang tinutumbok kasi hindi napag-uusapan,” she said.

Castro also emphasized that Malacañang would not interfere in Senate proceedings but appealed to lawmakers to ensure that political disputes do not derail the administration’s priority legislation.