Instead of apologizing, Malacañang even denied that they released an “ouster matrix” that included Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.
In May 2019, former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo released a list of those who allegedly wanted to destabilize the government of President Rodrigo Duterte-including 2021 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz. Panelo is also chief presidential legal counsel.
“Hindi ko po alam kung ano ‘yung sinasabi niyong matrix kasi sa tanggapan ko po, iisa lang ang opisyal na spokesperson ng gobyerno. Ako lang po ‘yun,” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Tuesday.
“Wala po kaming ganyan.”
The Palace also has no plans to apologize for their “wow mali” moment in 2019.
“Wala po. As spokesperson, wala po akong kahit anong ibinintang kay Hidilyn Diaz,” Roque said.
Diaz laughed at the allegations. The name of the weightlifting queen, included in the Palace diagram attached to Rodel Jayme, is the person who allegedly spread “The Real Narcolist” that links the Duterte family to the illegal drug trade.
“Hah? Ano yun? Sino si Rodel Jayme?” Hidilyn Diaz said in an interview with ABS-CBN back then. Journalist Gretchen Ho was also implicated in the matrix in addition to other progressive personalities and groups.
The diagram released by Panelo also had no direction, and it was explained at the time that it was only given to him by the Office of the President.
Palace denies ouster matrix that included Hidilyn Diaz
Although Panelo was one of those who stressed Diaz as one of those who allegedly wanted to help overthrow the government, he congratulated the athlete on her victory yesterday in the women’s 55kg weightlifting category.
“Her feat makes us Filipinos proud. Her getting the gold is a testament to the Filipino race’s talent and indefatigable spirit,” said Panelo.
“It serves as an inspiration to all Filipino athletes that getting gold in the Olympics is no longer a cream but a reality. Congratulations, Hidilyn Diaz!!!”
Roque also congratulated Hidilyn Diaz while emphasizing that Duterte will give millions in rewards to Diaz in addition to P35.5 million from the government and private sector.
“Iguguhit po natin sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas ang pangalan ng Hidilyn Diaz, at ayaw ko munang ianunsyo dahil mapalaki pa, pero milyun-milyon po ang ipinangako ng presidente para sa makakakamit ng gintong medalya, at ang pribadong sektor ay naglaan din ng milyun-milyon,” he said.
“Kung anuman ang pagkukulang sa training, I’m sure na mababawi po lahat ‘yan doon sa generosity, hindi lang po ng pamahalaan kung hindi ng pribadong sektor, because she truly did us proud.”
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