President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declined to respond to Vice President Sara Duterte’s accusations against him, saying he could only speculate that anger over her legal troubles may be behind the attacks.
Speaking to the media Sunday after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, Marcos was asked about Duterte’s recent statements, including her allegation of a plan being carried out against her.
Marcos said he has heard the accusations but sees no reason to respond to them.
“You know, I hear about them, but I don’t really even have a response. If she feels very angry, I suppose, with what’s happening to her. And I am the target of that anger, or the main target of that anger. What can I do?” Marcos said.
The President added that people cannot be compelled to have positive feelings toward one another.
“You cannot force anyone to love you,” he said.
The remarks came amid continuing political and legal tensions between Marcos and Duterte, who won the 2022 elections together under a unity platform but have since emerged as political rivals.
Duterte is facing a criminal case before a Quezon City court for grave threats against Marcos, First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
She is also facing impeachment proceedings.
Duterte recently accused Marcos of plotting against her, including an alleged plan involving her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and threats to her safety.
Malacañang has rejected the allegations, saying they are unsupported by evidence.
Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin
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