A majority of Filipinos are dissatisfied with the performance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while Vice President Sara Duterte continues to receive majority approval, according to the latest nationwide survey conducted by WR Numero Research. Yummie Dingding, PPA Pool & Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. merely laughed when asked about Vice President Sara Duterte’s allegation that his administration was “desperate” to prevent the 2028 elections.
Marcos made the gesture during his visit at the Pres. Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino National High School in Pasay City on Monday, September 28 where he recognized participating schools and stakeholders in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
“Mr. President, may reaction po kayo sa sinabi ni VP Sara that the administration is trying to stop the 2028 elections raw?” a reporter asked Marcos Jr. after delivering a statement to the media.
The chief executive laughed and did not offer any comment.
Duterte issued the statement over the weekend where she said she does not know a certain Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and has not received any money from him.
Sal Panelo: Alleged cash deliveries to Dutertes a ‘fabricated story
Gracioso is reportedly an alleged former security officer of former Congressman Lord Allan Velasco who supposedly ordered Gracioso to deliver suitcases of cash to the vice president, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte.
“The desperation of the administration to bring me down, push for Charter Change, prevent the 2028 elections, and cling to power is becoming increasingly diabolical,” the vice president said.
“The people want Marcos to take a public drug test. The people want Marcos to answer for the flood control scandal. The people want change,” she added.
NBI to validate Gracioso claims, invite Sara Duterte
‘BUWAON’
Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos had called Duterte a liar following her accusations.
"Ito po mismo ay mensahe ng Pangulo patungkol sa komento na iyan ng Bise Presidente, ang sabi po niya — Iyan po ay non-sense, fake news, mahilig magsinungaling, mga buwaon," told reporters.
"Ulitin natin, mga buwaon. Translate natin, sinungaling," she said.
But she added that Gracioso's allegations should first be backed by evidence.
"Ayaw po kasi ng Pangulo na gawa-gawang kuwento na para lamang mayroong pabagsakin na isang tao ay gagawa nang tahi-tahing kuwento – hindi po iyan ang nais ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon. Pero kung siya ay mayroon namang mga kumpleto ang kaniyang mga ebidensiya nararapat lang po na maimbestigahan ito, bakit? Dahil pinag-uusapan po natin dito ay pondo ng bayan," Castro added.