MANILA, Philippines — The list of groups and individuals allegedly plotting to unseat President Rodrigo Duterte that was released by his son Paolo is categorized by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as “fake news.”
“The first time I saw that posting: I said it’s fake news. I still maintain that is fake news,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the handover rites for the Balangiga Bells on Tuesday at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
Last Friday, the president’s son posted screenshots of a spreadsheet that allegedly listed down the names of members of an “Anti-Administration Group” in conspiracy to oust Duterte.
The members of the group included a mix of administration critics, politicians, and companies like Jollibee and PLDT. It also included a dead bishop.
But the post has already been deleted.
Vice President Leni Robredo, who was included on the list, slammed the list as “irresponsible.”
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo defended Paolo’s decision to post the list, saying it was part of his “freedom of expression.” /kga/ac
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