Malacañang on Tuesday pushed back against remarks made by Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, who earlier criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over concerns about his legacy, accusing him of corruption and weak leadership.

In response, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro cited statements made by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

“Kailangan pa po bang i-memorize na ang dating Pangulong Duterte ang makailang ulit na umamin na siya ay corrupt, na siya ay nagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan?“ Castro said.

“Sa kanyang speech sa harapan ng marami ay ipinagmalaki ng dating Pangulo ang pagtraydor sa mga Pilipino dahil sa kanyang pangungurakot, pagmamarijuana at pag-abuso sa fentanyl,” she added.

She also pointed to what she described as a lack of sufficient action against alleged irregularities tied to so-called ghost projects.

“Sa kawalan ng sapat na aksyon na panagutin ang nasa likod ng mga ghost projects na inamin niya noon pang 2020, na nagtuloy pang mamayagpag pero napigilan lang nang nagpaimbestiga na si Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” she stressed.

Castro further cited controversies during the pandemic, including the Pharmally issue and the involvement of businessman Michael Yang.

“Hindi rin dapat kalimutan ang isyu ng korapsyon ng Pharmally at Michael Yang habang may pandemic. Kaya huwag ipahid kay Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang korapsyon na ginawa mismo ni FPRRD,” Castro noted.