Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang rejected claims that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing for charter change or a term extension of elected officials, saying allegations of a no-election or “no-el” scenario are meant to distract from more pressing issues.
The president gestured a smirk ahead of his trip to Japan on Tuesday, May 26, when asked about the statement from his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, accusing him of pushing for term extension and no-el in 2028.
In a separate interview, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro described the accusation as a “diversionary tactic,” particularly with looming the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Sa ating tingin, sa ating pagkakaintindi rito, ito ay para matakpan, matabunan ang totoong issue. Nalalapit na po yung impeachment trial,” Castro said.
[Translation: From our perspective and understanding, this is meant to cover up or overshadow the real issue. The impeachment trial is approaching.]
She added that some figures have already taken positions even before the proceedings begin.
“So alam naman natin kung ano yung gusto ni Sen. Imee pagdating sa impeachment trial. Wala pang trial pero parang meron na siyang judgment,” she said.
[Translation: We already know what Sen. Imee wants regarding the impeachment trial. There is no trial yet, but it seems she already has a judgment.]
Castro said the allegations divert public attention from controversies, including the reported escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and a shooting in the Senate premises.
“At the same time, para mapagtakpan kung ano nangyari talaga sa Senado — kung paano naitakas o nailabas si Sen. Robin Padilla, si Sen. Bato, at kung paano nagkaroon ng putukan at sino ang nagpasimula nito,” she said.
[Translation: At the same time, this is to cover up what really happened in the Senate — how Sen. Robin Padilla and Sen. Bato were able to get out, how the shooting happened, and who started it.]
“The way I see it, yes, oo. Diversionary tactic,” she added when asked if she considers the developments at the Senate as diversionary tactics.
[Translation: The way I see it, yes, it is a diversionary tactic.]
Castro said Marcos is committed to the Constitution and will not violate the law, including provisions on the 2028 national elections.
“Unang-una, ang pangulo, lagi yan sumusunod sa batas. Due process, kung ano man ang tungkol sa batas, hindi yan lumalabag sa batas,” she said.
[Translation: First of all, the president always follows the law. Due process and anything related to the law, he does not violate it.]
“Mayroon tayong batas patungkol sa susunod na eleksyon, 2028. So nakakasiguro tayo na ang Pangulo ay susunod sa batas,” she added.
[Translation: We have a law regarding the next election in 2028, so we can be assured that the President will follow the law.]
Castro said those making the allegations should be the ones to prove their claims.
“Ang tanungin ninyo, kung si Sen. Imee ay nakakasiguro na ang kanyang sinasabi ay totoo, sa kanya ninyo itanong,” she said.
[Translation: You should ask Sen. Imee if she is certain that what she is saying is true.]
