President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday said that if reports linking “Chinese money” to Vice President Sara Duterte are true, the situation would “rise to a national security issue” representing a threat “at the highest level to the Republic”.
Speaking during a Kapihan interview with the Philippine media delegation in Singapore, Marcos noted that while unsubstantiated claims would be welcome news, confirmed financial ties would present a serious national problem.
Marcos denied involvement in any alleged political demolition campaign targeting the Vice President, identifying the allegations regarding foreign funding as the most concerning aspect.
“That now rises to a national security issue. Kung totoo. If it is true, it is a national security issue. That’s why ang nag-respond is the DND na sinabi nila . We have to look into this. Tama rin, that’s part of their duty, because national security na ang pinag-uusapan, if it is true,” Marcos said.
“Nothing would make me happier than proof that it is not true. Then, it’s one less thing that I have to worry about. But if it is true, it is, it is, a threat, a threat, at the highest level to the Republic,” Marcos also said.
Marcos stressed that the immediate priority remains investigating the claims, gathering evidence, and establishing the truth.
The remarks follow allegations made by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV that over P319 million from Chinese government and corporate entities flowed to CALE88 Foods Corp., a company linked to Duterte’s husband, Manases Carpio.
Trillanes also alleged that P150 million originating from the Chinese Embassy was directed to the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines, an organization associated with Duterte.
Malacañang and administration officials emphasized that formal investigations must precede conclusions, urging Trillanes to submit supporting evidence to proper authorities.
National Maritime Council (NMC) undersecretary and spokesman Alexander Lopez said during a Sunday interview that allegations of public officials receiving funds from Chinese state enterprises require thorough investigation, noting such actions could be viewed as hostile to national interests.
Lopez said that if verified, the actions represent a grave violation of national security.
Lopez added that Philippine defense forces will remain steadfast in executing their mandate to protect national territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights regardless of political developments.
Responding to claims by the Vice President that his administration is orchestrating legislative impeachment proceedings and financial allegations against her, Marcos said he does not follow the ongoing impeachment trial.
Marcos explained that heavy official workloads leave him no time to watch extended broadcasts of the trial proceedings.
Marcos noted, however, that he receives an executive summary detailing trial highlights at the end of each workday.
“It’s really not important to me. What’s important to me is that I get the job done. That the work that I put, that I set for myself, it’s absolutely finished,” Marcos said, adding that with roughly 18 to 19 months remaining in his presidential term, his focus remains on executing administration priorities.
Marcos also clarified that his previous use of the Visayan term “buwaon” or liar was not directed at the Vice President personally.
Marcos explained that his reaction was prompted by a question from Palace Press Officer Claire Castro regarding rumors of charter change efforts aimed at canceling the 2028 general elections, adding that his off-hand comment was not intended for official release.
Marcos dismissed the no-election rumors as fake news, challenging critics to present factual proof supporting the claims.
The President previously dismissed accusations by the Vice President claiming the executive branch was attempting to block the 2028 presidential elections.
Duterte issued her statement while denying claims from dismissed police corporal and former security aide Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who alleged delivering cash-filled suitcases totaling over P2 billion to the Vice President, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte.