By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Hindi naman po ibig sabihin na [kapag] nasabi sa social media, ito ay agad na dapat paniwalaan.”
With swirling rumors of an alleged destabilization plot against the Marcos Jr. administration being brought into discussion, the Palace notes that this matter is being thoroughly scrutinized by concerned agencies.
This, as journalist Ramon Tulfo outlined in a social media post the list of government officials who are allegedly involved in an attempt to overthrow President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. from his seat, which includes Gen. Romeo Poquiz (Ret.), Brig. Gen. Col. Orlando de Leon (Ret.), Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, former Senator Mike Defensor, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Former Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Chavit Singson.
Singson was also cited among the three financiers of the possible coup against the government, along with Vice President Sara Duterte and her sibling, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte.
At the Malacañang press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is already validating Tulfo’s claims, noting the gravity of this information outed by the journalist.
Castro said, “Ito po ay napansin na po ng AFP at nabanggit nga rin po ang mga pangalang katulad ni General Poquiz, General Orlando de Leon at saka si Mayor Benjie Magalong, although for confirmation; at iba pa, pati si Colonel Lachica na diumano’y sangkot sa usapin ng 125 million pesos na confidential funds ng Bise Presidente.”
She added further, “Ibinigay na rin po ito sa kanilang intelligence community—minu-monitor, inaalam ang katotohanan. Kung mayroon silang makikitang dapat na talagang pagtuunan ng pansin, ito naman po ay hindi tutulugan ng ating Pangulo.”
As of press time, Magalong and Paolo Duterte have already issued their respective statements condemning their inclusion in Tulfo’s list of personalities linked to the alleged campaign against the Chief Executive.
The Palace mouthpiece concluded her remarks by noting that authorities have yet to determine whether the journalist violated any laws with the release of the “destabilization list.”
jpv
