MANILA – Malacañang has firmly denied any involvement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the recent plunder and graft complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that the complainants are long-time critics of the administration rather than allies. The statement, issued on December 12, 2025, by Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, comes amid Duterte’s accusations of political persecution, as the Office of the Ombudsman probes allegations of misuse involving P612.5 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd).
Castro highlighted the irony: “It is clear that these obstructionists operate against President Marcos Jr. They will always fabricate stories to divert attention away from the corruption allegations against VP Sara.” She pointed to the complainants’ history of opposing Marcos, including former Finance undersecretary Cielo Magno (a vocal critic of economic policies), priests Fr. Flavie Villanueva and Fr. Robert Reyes (known for social justice advocacy often at odds with the government), and others like former peace adviser Ging Deles and UP Professor Sylvia Claudio.
The complaints, filed by eight civil society figures on December 12, accuse Duterte and 15 OVP/DepEd officials of plunder, bribery, malversation, graft, betrayal of public trust, and constitutional violations. They allege “coordinated schemes” to divert and conceal the funds through irregular vouchers and fictitious recipients (e.g., names like “Mary Grace Piattos” referencing snacks). Duterte has dismissed the cases as a “recycled smear campaign” to undermine her potential 2028 presidential bid.
This latest salvo intensifies the Marcos-Duterte rift, once allies in the 2022 “Uniteam” but now embroiled in mutual accusations. Duterte’s PDP party called the filings a “harebrained political stunt” by a “panic-stricken” regime fearing her rise. The Ombudsman has yet to rule on probable cause, but the probe revives scrutiny of confidential funds—a flashpoint in Duterte’s voided impeachment earlier this year.
As the holidays approach, the Palace’s rebuttal underscores a fractured political landscape: In the Philippines’ high-stakes arena, complaints aren’t just legal—they’re leverage, turning allies into adversaries one filing at a time.
Complainants Snapshot (Key Figures):
| Name | Background/Notable Stance |
|---|---|
| Fr. Flavie Villanueva | 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee; social justice advocate |
| Fr. Robert Reyes | “Running priest”; human rights campaigner |
| Cielo Magno | Former Finance Usec; frequent Marcos critic |
| Ging Deles | Former peace adviser |
| Sylvia Claudio | UP Professor Emerita |