He did not identify the group he was referring to. Lagman’s remarks were an apparent reaction to Duterte’s recent pronouncements claiming to have dismantled oligarchy in the Philippines even without declaring martial law. But presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte was not referring to the Lopezes when the president made such victory claim against oligarchs. However, in an audio recording of his entire speech obtained by the Inquirer, Duterte launched fresh tirades against the network, claiming that ABS-CBN’s equipment was tax-free. Duterte also accused the network of having “holding companies” outside the country and “misdeclaring” the land area of its compound on Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 17, 2020 07:07 UTC