MANILA, Philippines?Malacañang Wednesday expressed doubts that a Cabinet official would threaten administration Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, and balked at suggestions for an investigation.

?I don?t see why any Cabinet member would ever think of that,? Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told reporters after a Malacañang briefing, but clarified he was not dismissing the senator?s claims. ?But I?m not aware who the source of Senator Santiago is.?

Santiago had accused a ?notorious Cabinet member? of orchestrating death threats against her and a petition to disqualify her from next year?s senatorial race, but did not identify him.

She said she had gotten a phone call from a man warning her not to speak at rallies lest ?something dire? would happen to her, and a copy of the petition on the same day.

These, she said, could be moves by the Cabinet member to get back at her for the Senate inquiries into the alleged scandals involving the ?Euro generals,? the TV infomercials by candidates, and malversation of funds from road users? tax.

Ermita said Malacañang respected Santiago and her right to make this statement since she has her own sources, but would not order any inquiry to verify this.

?Let?s just wait for the development,? he said.

Neither would Malacañang provide security to the senator, a staunch ally of Ms Arroyo who is seeking reelection in May 2010, according to Ermita.

?I don?t think so,? he said. ?Unless there is an official request from the person concerned. Maybe, we?ll just have to wait for other actions.?