Palace rejects calls for Marcos to resign as 'absolutely delusional'

MANILA — The presidential palace on Tuesday firmly rejected calls for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resign, with press officer Claire Castro describing the push as "absolutely delusional."

The rebuke came after Vice President Sara Duterte's spokesperson, Paolo Panelo Jr., issued a statement Monday alleging that Marcos was "trivializing" the vice president's "serious accusations" against him. Panelo Jr. suggested the president's response demonstrated he was out of touch with reality.

The exchange marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two highest officials of the Philippine government. The rift between Marcos and Duterte, once allies, has deepened in recent months amid mounting political friction.

Castro's dismissal of the resignation calls underscores the palace's unwillingness to engage substantively with Duterte's allegations. The palace has not detailed what accusations the vice president was referring to or addressed specific grievances she may have raised.

The confrontation highlights deepening divisions within the administration at a time when the Philippines faces multiple governance challenges, from economic pressures to security concerns in the southern regions.