Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday, February 24, rejected former president Rodrigo Duterte’s allegation that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is veering towards dictatorship like his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

Escudero said he does not subscribe to former president Duterte’s statement considering he used to label the president as a weak leader before.

“I do not agree and do not subscribe to his accusation at all,” Escudero said.

“When their accusation that PBBM was a weak leader who was not in control did not fly, now they are accusing him of the exact opposite and now supposedly has dictatorial tendencies. It is not only inconsistent but also irrational and untrue,” the Senate leader said.

Escudero said he has known the President for a long time and see no dictatorial tendencies from the current Chief Executive.

“I have known the President for over a decade and have had the privilege of working closely with him for nearly a year now… and I can say with certainty that I do not subsrcribe to FPRRD’s (Duterte’s initial) statement because I simply do not see it and cannot infer nor believe it from PBBM’s attitude, outlook and work ethic,” he said.

The former president renewed his criticism of the Marcos administration last Saturday, at an indignation rally in Mandaue City, Cebu, claiming that his successor might not cede power when his term ends in 2028.

According to Duterte, Marcos might impose martial law like his late father to guarantee a no-election in 2028 and extend his term.