MANILA, Feb. 24 -- Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Monday refuted former president Rodrigo Duterte's allegations that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is leaning toward dictatorship, calling them inconsistent and irrational.

"I do not agree and do not subscribe to his accusation at all," Escudero said in a Viber message to reporters.

"When their claim that PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos) was a weak leader who was not in control did not gain traction, they now accuse him of the exact opposite, alleging dictatorial tendencies. This is not only inconsistent but also baseless," he added.

Escudero, who has known Marcos for over a decade and worked closely with him for nearly a year, dismissed the claim outright.

"I do not sub...