Executive Secretary Ralph Recto denied Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that Malacañang was behind former senator Antonio Trillanes IV in exposing alleged undisclosed wealth and bank accounts linked to her.
“Hindi ko alam ang paratang na binaback-up. Ang masasabi ko lang, nagtugma ‘yung kanyang (Trillanes) mga testimony doon sa report ng AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council),” Recto said.
He said he was unaware of any supposed backing behind Trillanes’ claims but noted that the former senator’s statements were consistent with findings in an AMLC report.
Meanwhile, Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro said the public should not expect favorable remarks from the Vice President about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., adding that criticism of the administration has become a recurring theme.
“Wala naman po tayong maaasahang magandang salita na manggagaling sa Bise Presidente patungkol sa ating Pangulo. Lahat na lang ng kasalanan sa mundo ay isisisi niya sa Pangulo,” Castro said.
Castro also dismissed Duterte’s suggestion that the administration should be blamed for actions that occurred before Marcos assumed office, including alleged human rights violations during the previous administration.
“Iyan po naman ay wala pong kinalaman kung ang transaksyon po na ito ay dati pa siyang mayor, dati siyang vice mayor, na wala pa po sa posisyon bilang Presidente si Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” she said.
She added that AMLC reports cited transactions involving billions of pesos that did not include the President.
“So, ‘yung mga transaksyon na umikot at naipakita po ng AMLC na bilyon-bilyong piso, hindi naman po kasama ang Pangulo sa transaksyon na kanyang pinapalooban. So, papaano magiging kasalanan ng Pangulo ito?” Castro said.
Duterte earlier dismissed Trillanes’ claims as baseless and accused some government agencies of being used for political purposes.
She also alleged that certain members of the House of Representatives, the Commission on Audit (COA), and the AMLC were working together to undermine her. Malacañang has rejected allegations of political persecution.