MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday laughed off Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s allegation that his administration was maneuvering to prevent the 2028 elections and remain in power, offering no further response to the accusation.
Marcos reacted with laughter when reporters sought his comment on Duterte-Carpio’s claim during a recognition ceremony for schools and education partners that participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment at the President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino National High School in Pasay City.
The Vice President had accused the Marcos administration of seeking to derail the 2028 elections as she rejected allegations by former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. that he delivered money to her and other members of the Duterte family.
“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,” Duterte-Carpio said.
Asked specifically about Duterte-Carpio’s assertion that the administration was seeking to prevent the next presidential elections, Marcos did not give a verbal rebuttal and instead laughed at the allegation.
The accusation came as the Vice President faces impeachment proceedings before the Senate impeachment court and as the National Bureau of Investigation investigates Gracioso’s allegations.
Gracioso, who previously served as a security officer for then-House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, alleged that he delivered more than P2 billion in cash to Duterte-Carpio on Velasco’s instructions. He also alleged making cash deliveries to former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte.
Duterte-Carpio has denied knowing Gracioso or receiving money from him and described his allegations as a “media stunt” intended to revive what she called a faltering impeachment case. Her lawyers are awaiting an official copy of Gracioso’s affidavit from the NBI as they prepare legal action against him.
The Commission on Elections had earlier rejected speculation about a “no-election” scenario in 2028, with Comelec Chairman George Garcia saying the holding of the elections is mandated by the Constitution and that the poll body has already begun preparations for the national polls./PN
