Duterte claims Marcos viewed her as threat since 2023

Duterte made the assertion during a press statement in Manila, suggesting that Marcos's public remarks about the alleged Chinese financial connections represented an implicit admission of longstanding concerns about her political position. The vice president's claims emerged days after Marcos, during a working visit to Singapore, raised questions about allegations involving Chinese entities and funding linked to business operations associated with her spouse. The timing of the president's comments, according to Duterte, underscored tensions between the country's two highest elected officials that have periodically surfaced over the past year. Duterte has previously denied allegations of improper foreign financial influence and characterized such accusations as politically motivated. The exchange highlights ongoing friction within the national leadership, with both officials serving in the same administration following the 2022 elections.