FOR THE LONGEST time, talks about destabilization efforts have been circulating, but none of those innuendoes persisted — until a year after the breakup of the Marcos-Duterte Uniteam.
In a Facebook post, former journalist and broadcaster Ramon Tulfo made a categorical confirmation of yet another destabilization effort against the current administration.
To support his claim, Tulfo posted the names of people whom he said form part of a group hatching a coup d’etat.
DUTERTES ON TOP
He particularly dragged Vice President Sara Duterte and her brother, Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte, as “possible financiers” of the destabilization plots.
Last year, Sara Duterte confessed to the public and on the record that she had already plotted and ordered someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she gets assassinated.
“Don’t worry about my safety. I have talked to a person, and I said, if I get killed, go kill BBM [Marcos], [First Lady] Liza Araneta, and [Speaker] Martin Romualdez. No joke. No joke,” she said.
She also shared with the media that she had daydreamed of cutting off Marcos’ head.
Sharing the same level of hate for the Marcoses, Paolo Duterte has also been vocal with his criticism and insults—but unlike his sister, he has not directly pointed to killing the president or key officials.
Instead, he mostly resorts to calling the president “drug addict,” “bangag,” “praning,” and “the worst, most corrupt, and most hated president of this country,” among other things.
NO NEED FOR COUP
In response to Tulfo’s post, Rep. Duterte dismissed the allegations as “gossip,” saying there is no need for a coup for the already falling administration.
“The only destabilization happening here is in his grip on reality. As if this bangag administration even needs a coup—it’s already in the final stage of self-destruction,” Duterte said in a post on Monday.
“Malaki siguro tinatanggap nito kay bangag, at kahit ano-ano na lang ang lumalabas sa bibig niya… laos na nga, sinungaling pa,” he added.
TEST OF TESTICLES
Notably, Duterte did not deny involvement in destabilization efforts; instead, typical of Duterte bravado, he attacked Tulfo and oddly talked about testicles.
Upon revealing the names, Tulfo also said that he would never reveal his sources, “kahit na pitpitin n’yo ang bayag ko.”
“He claims he won’t reveal his source ‘kahit pitpitin ang bayag niya.’ Don’t worry, nobody’s interested—we’re just wondering kung naa pa ba mapitpit (if there’s still anything left to smash),” said Rep. Duterte.
“Dodong Mon, you want attention, you got it. But next time, try using truth instead of testosterone.” He even went as far as offering Tulfo to touch his Rottweiler’s balls.
NO MORE CREDIBILITY
In addition, Duterte also described Tulfo’s journalistic career as a “career out of gossip packaged as courage.”
“But this time, he’s gone full fantasy—name-dropping people, inventing plots, and pretending he’s part of some spy thriller.”
Tulfo also wants to be appointed special envoy to China, according to Duterte.
SEDICIOUS SINGSON
The third possible financier, according to Tulfo, is politician and businessman Chavit Singson.
Singson had previously called on the youth to lead a revolution against corruption and demand the resignation of government officials, including protesting on the streets and boycotting school.
This was in relation to the September 21 protests against corruption, where Singson went but was not welcomed by the crowd.
REVOLUTIONARY GOVT
“If he [President Marcos] has a conscience, he should give up. He can no longer repair this, given the extent of corruption. I never thought this would happen after I helped him,” Singson said.
He also proposed the establishment of a revolutionary government similar to the one created under President Cory Aquino in 1986, in the wake of the People Power Revolution.
Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro called on authorities to investigate Singson and see if he may be held liable for inciting to sedition.
Singson has not responded to the allegations as of writing.
MORE ON THE LIST
Tulfo listed 13 names involved in the destabilization efforts, mostly known Duterte allies, military men, and lawyers.
Among them are Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (for confirmation), Chavit Singson again, former Congressman Mike Defensor, lawyers Vic Rodriguez and Ferdinand Topacio, and fugitive former Bureau of Corrections head Gerald Bantag.
Also on the list are military men Romeo Poquiz, Johnny Macanas, and Capt. Dado Enriquez (or Enrique), while no full names are given for Col. Lachica, Col. Leonardo, and Col. Metran.
Though unconfirmed, research suggests these could be former VPSPG head Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, former National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and retired Army Col. Segundo Metran. Also on the list are Orly De Leon, Orlando Olamit, and alias Monk.
MAGALONG DENIAL
Shortly after being dragged into the supposed destabilization plot against the Marcos administration, Magalong denied the allegations.
“I strongly deny the baseless claim linking me to supposed destabilization efforts against the government. Such rumors are false, misleading, and harmful to the trust and unity our nation needs today.”
“What truly destabilizes our nation are not those who speak up for accountability, but those who spread false accusations and unfounded claims in the guise of journalism—dividing our people and eroding trust in our institutions.”
AFP TO DIG DEEP
Meanwhile, a top Palace official admitted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was given an order to validate Tulfo’s sweeping claim on the supposed destabilization plot.
During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro particularly hinted at three prominent personalities whom Tulfo claimed are bankrolling destabilization plot against the government.
Castro likewise mentioned 16 retired military generals on Tulfo’s list.