Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Friday refuted Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is allegedly planning to amend the 1987 Constitution, specifically its economic provisions.
During a press briefing at Malacañang, Castro stated that there have been no discussions regarding constitutional amendments.
“We haven’t heard anything from the President. That’s why we’re wondering why the Vice President made that kind of statement,” Castro said. “As of now, [that's] fake news. It’s intrigue without evidence, and there have been no talks on the matter.”
Duterte made the statement during a campaign sortie with Senator Imee Marcos.
When asked if Charter Change might be tackled in the next Congress, Castro reiterated, “There have been no discussions.”
The Palace Press Officer further questioned the Vice President’s decision to bring up the issue during a campaign event: “Whatever her goals or intentions are behind this kind of statement, we don’t know. But as far as we’re concerned, that’s fake news.”
The Palace official also addressed another claim made by Duterte during the same sortie—that Claire Castro is related to ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro.
“That’s what’s truly disappointing. As the Vice President, she should be watching the press briefings. I’ve already clarified that issue,” she said.