MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday warned that allegations that businesses linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband received money from China could pose a serious national security threat if proven true.
Speaking to reporters in Singapore, Marcos confirmed that the government was investigating allegations raised by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV involving businesses allegedly linked to Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio.
“The most disturbing aspect of it is the Chinese money. That now rises to a national security issue,” Marcos said.
“If it is true, it is a threat — a threat at the highest level to the Republic,” he added.
The President said authorities must establish the facts before drawing conclusions.
He said the Department of National Defense (DND) responded to the allegations because of the potential national security implications.
"Let’s find the evidence and see what the truth is. That’s what’s important," Marcos said. "That’s why the DND responded and said, ‘We have to look into this.’ That’s part of their duty because we’re talking about national security, if it is true.”
“What we are doing is thoroughly investigating this matter, the allegations,” he added. “If it’s true, it would be, unfortunately, one more thing that we would have to worry about, and it would go straight to the top of our list of threats that are facing the Philippines,” he said.
“We are talking about the sovereignty of the Republic. We are talking about the safety and security of the State,” he added.
Marcos also rejected Duterte’s accusation that he was behind an alleged campaign to discredit her, including claims involving dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who claimed to have delivered large amounts of cash to members of the Duterte family.
When asked directly whether he was behind the alleged attacks against Duterte, Marcos said he had no involvement in the matter.
