Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a striking debut as the new Palace Press Officer, lawyer Claire Castro wasted no time setting the record straight. In her first media interview, she boldly called out former President Rodrigo R. Duterte for his "baseless" accusations that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is veering toward dictatorship.
"Hindi tayo pwedeng maniwala sa mga pang-iintriga lamang na walang ebidensya," Castro asserted, emphasizing that the public should rely on facts, not politically motivated narratives.
A History of Political Intrigue?
Castro went further, drawing a stark comparison to the controversial detention of former Senator Leila de Lima under Duterte’s administration.
"Siguro naman napatunayan natin ’yan sa panahon ni Senator Leila de Lima. Ano pa ba ang i-e-expect natin sa dating Pangulong Duterte? Gumawa ng intriga, magplanta ng ebidensya," she remarked, suggesting a pattern of politically driven accusations from the former president.
De Lima, a fierce critic of Duterte’s violent drug war, was arrested in 2017 on what many human rights organizations and international observers called politically motivated and fabricated charges. After nearly seven years behind bars, she was finally acquitted in June 2024, with global rights groups celebrating her release as a long-overdue correction of injustice.
Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Research, Montse Ferrer, declared, "This is full freedom and vindication, finally, for human rights defender Leila de Lima, after her nearly seven years of arbitrary detention, as well as relentless political persecution."
De Lima’s Comeback and the Political Battlefield Ahead
With her name cleared, de Lima has wasted no time in stepping back into the political arena. She has announced her intention to run as the lead nominee for the newly established Mamamayang Liberal party in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, vowing to fight for human rights and the rule of law.
Reflecting on her ordeal, de Lima said, "I knew that eventually, truth would prevail, and that is what is happening now."
Marcos Jr.’s Stance and Duterte’s Political Jabs
The tension between Duterte and the current administration has been intensifying in recent months. Duterte, who once wielded an iron grip over Philippine politics, has been openly critical of Marcos Jr., accusing him of consolidating power in a manner reminiscent of authoritarian rule. The former president’s comments have fueled debates on whether Marcos Jr. is truly leading the country in a new direction or merely reshaping old political structures.
However, Castro’s firm response signals that the Marcos administration is determined to push back against what they see as Duterte’s "intrigues."
By referencing de Lima’s case, Castro not only discredits Duterte’s claims but also reinforces the government’s commitment to upholding due process and democratic values—an ironic twist given the Marcos name’s historical association with martial law.
The Public’s Reaction and What’s Next
Filipinos remain divided on the issue. Supporters of Duterte continue to rally behind their former leader, arguing that his allegations should not be dismissed outright. Meanwhile, Marcos Jr.'s allies insist that the country is moving forward under a more balanced and pragmatic leadership.
As political tensions heat up leading to the 2025 elections, the battle for narrative control is in full swing. Will Duterte’s claims gain traction, or will Castro’s counterarguments hold firm? One thing is clear: the struggle for power and influence in Philippine politics is far from over.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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