Alleged destab list under validation of AFP intel, says Palace

Malacañang confirmed on Tuesday that a list of several government officials and former generals allegedly involved in a destabilization plot against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been forwarded to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for validation.

The list was earlier shared on social media by columnist Mon Tulfo, who claimed that Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson were funding the supposed plot.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro told reporters that while the list originated from social media, the AFP has received it for monitoring and possible investigation.

“According to the AFP, in cases like this, although it is on social media, it is being forwarded to their intelligence community,” Castro said in mixed English and Filipino.

She emphasized that while freedom of expression is recognized, claims like these still need thorough investigation to determine their scope and legality.

“The AFP said this is being monitored… It really needs to be investigated,” she added.

As of now, authorities have not confirmed whether the individuals named on Tulfo’s list have violated any laws, according to the Palace.

Meanwhile, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who was included in the list, strongly denied any involvement in the alleged destabilization plot.

“I strongly deny the baseless claim linking me to supposed destabilization efforts against the government. Such rumors are false, misleading, and harmful to the trust and unity our nation needs today,” Magalong said in a Facebook post.

The mayor underscored his lifelong commitment to public service and the Filipino people.

“I have served this country all my life as a soldier, a police officer, and now as a public servant. My loyalty is to the Republic of the Philippines and to the Filipino people, not to any political faction or personality,” he said.

Magalong also stressed the importance of responsible civic engagement.

“In my talks with students, business groups, and civil society organizations, I have always encouraged social activism within the bounds of the law because responsible participation strengthens democracy,” he said.

He added that “what truly destabilizes our nation are not those who speak up for accountability, but those who spread false accusations and unfounded claims in the guise of journalism, dividing our people and eroding trust in our institutions.”

Talks of destabilization plots against the Marcos Jr. administration have circulated since September, coinciding with protests over alleged corruption in government projects worth billions of pesos.