Palace prods NBI to probe alleged assassination plot vs Marcos
Malacañang has urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into allegations of a supposed assassination plot against President Marcos, following claims raised during a House impeachment hearing.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after self-confessed bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte, Ramil Madriaga, alleged that former president Rodrigo Duterte and some retired military officials discussed plans to unseat Marcos, including an alleged assassination plot.
In her press briefing on Wednesday, April 15, Castro said the NBI has the responsibility to investigate such threats without the need for a directive from the President.
“Ang NBI na po ang dapat mag-imbestiga nito (The NBI should investigate this),” she said.
“Hindi na po kailangang mag-utos ang Pangulo… mayroon po kayong obligasyon na imbestigahan ito (The President does not need to order this… you have the obligation to investigate),” she said.
She added that the same duty applies whether the threat is against the President or an ordinary citizen.
‘No personal knowledge’
Castro said neither the President nor the Palace has personal knowledge of the alleged discussions.
“Wala po tayong personal na kaalaman… kahit ang Pangulo ay walang personal na kaalaman (We have no personal knowledge… even the President has none),” she said.
She added that the administration is seeking to establish the truth.
Castro said Marcos was informed of the claims and was surprised by the allegations.
“Siya po ay nagulat… dahil hindi po ganoon ang Pangulo (He was surprised… because that is not who the President is),” she said.
Castro said threats against the President are not new, citing previous statements from political figures, including the Vice President.
“Hindi na po bago ito; ang pagbabanta sa buhay ng Pangulo (Threats to the President’s life are not new),” she said.
No plan to step down
The Palace also rejected claims that Marcos would step down before the end of his term as part of a supposed term-sharing agreement with the Vice President.
“Ang Pangulo po… nangako na tatapusin ang kaniyang termino (The President promised to finish his term),” Castro said.
She emphasized that Marcos ran for office to serve the public, not to relinquish his position.
On witness credibility
Asked about Madriaga’s credibility, Castro said testimonies from insiders should not be dismissed outright.
“Kahit ikaw ay kriminal… kapag ikaw ay may kaalaman… hindi puwedeng isawalang-bahala (Even if you are a criminal… if you have knowledge… it cannot be ignored),” she said.
She stressed that all relevant testimonies must be heard.
Imee Marcos remarks
Castro also responded to remarks by Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, calling for the truth to come out.
“Ano po ba ang kaalaman ni Senator Imee Marcos sa katotohanan? Hindi po ba dapat lumabas talaga ang katotohanan at madinig natin kung anong dapat sabihin ng sinumang witness (What truth does Sen. Marcos know? Shouldn’t the truth come out and shouldn’t we hear what the witness had to say)?” she asked.
“Walang makakapaghusga ngayon kung ano ang katotohanan (No one can yet judge what is true),” she added.