President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday dismissed Vice President Sara Duterte’s accusations against his administration as “nonsense” and “fake news,” after earlier laughing off her claim that the government was trying to prevent the 2028 elections.

In an ambush interview in Pasay City, Marcos was asked about Duterte’s accusation that his administration was seeking to prevent the next presidential elections. The President briefly laughed but did not respond before walking away.

Duterte made the accusation while denying allegations by dismissed police officer Rodulfo “Rudy” Gracioso Jr., who claimed he delivered more than P2 billion in cash to her on instructions from former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

“I do not know Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., nor have I ever received any money from him,” Duterte said, adding that her lawyers were waiting for an official copy of Gracioso’s affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation before preparing cases against him.

She described the allegations as another attempt to revive what she called a “faltering impeachment case.”

“The desperation of the administration to bring me down, push for Charter Change, prevent the 2028 elections, and cling to power is becoming increasingly diabolical,” Duterte said.

Later Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos personally called her after learning about Duterte’s remarks and instructed her to relay his response.