Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla dismissed insinuations that Senator Rodante Marcoleta is part of a supposed destabilization plot against the Marcos administration as fake news. He defended Marcoleta and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, stating the threat level is minimal.
In an interview with dzMM, Remulla addressed the allegations circulating online, which originated from media personality Ramon Tulfo in a viral social media post. Tulfo named Marcoleta as one of those behind the plot, along with Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, who allegedly financed it.
"I do not believe that these personalities are behind it. I think it’s a lot of baloney, a lot of fake news," Remulla said. He added that Marcoleta is just outspoken but focused on his job: “Senator Marcoleta may be outspoken, but he’s just focused on doing his job.”
He also defended Magalong, who was included in Tulfo’s list for confirmation. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, the threat ranks about 1.5. According to the secretary, the Armed Forces of the Philippines remains fully supportive of the Marcos administration, making the likelihood of any plot succeeding very low.
Remulla urged the public to verify information encountered online: “Fake news is the hardest thing to deal with – it’s easy to believe, but their sources are unverifiable.”