MALACANANG has vehemently rejected former president Rodrigo Duterte’s claims that crime has become rampant in the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., asserting that the country is safer and more secure than ever.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a statement, countered Duterte’s remarks made at a Senate hearing, stating that “there is no truth to his statement that crime remains rampant in the country.” Bersamin cited Philippine National Police statistics that demonstrate a “widespread decline in crime across the board.”
Duterte, defending his controversial war on drugs, had claimed that criminal activities had surged since Marcos assumed office. However, Bersamin emphasized that the Marcos administration has achieved “stability and maintained peace and order in our country without forgoing due process nor setting aside the basic human rights of any Filipino.”
This was Duterte’s first appearance at an inquiry into his drug war since stepping down. He had previously avoided a similar investigation by the House of Representatives.
Malacañang also criticized Duterte for citing “outdated” facts about a drug raid in San Miguel, Manila, where the Palace is situated.
