Palace challenges Duterte over claims of Marcos control of state institutions

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Friday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte over her claims that President Marcos exercises control over key state institutions, including the Senate, courts, and national police. Castro's statement was made in response to a video posted by Duterte on September 7 in which the vice president raised allegations of institutional interference.

The exchange represents a deepening public rift between the two highest officials in the Philippines government, underscoring mounting tensions within the Marcos administration. Duterte's video statement, posted amid her ongoing disputes with the presidency, included remarks thanking her supporters while addressing her concerns about the distribution of power within government institutions.

The palace's response signaled a hardening stance against the vice president's public criticism. Officials have increasingly pushed back against what they characterize as unfounded allegations of presidential overreach and institutional capture.

The conflict between Marcos and Duterte, who won the vice presidency in the 2022 elections, has escalated in recent months following disagreements over policy and governance matters. The public airing of their disputes has drawn scrutiny from political observers and raised questions about the stability of the administration's leadership structure.