Yesterday, at least five close friends of Philippine President Marcos and First Lady Lisa Araneta Marcos came forward to defend them, refuting claims by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio that the presidential couple had ties with a group of Chinese investors involved in Philippine offshore gaming operations. Ferdinand Topacio tried to substantiate his claim with a photo allegedly taken at a restaurant.
Presidential Special Advisor Noel Patrick Prudent described the photo as "malicious," pointing out that it was intended to portray the presidential couple as close friends with Chinese POGO investors, but in reality, he believes it was just a photo of the Marcos couple "happily accepting the adoration of the public, regardless of social status and affiliation."
"These Chinese customers asked to take a photo with us, even the waiters and waitresses asked for a photo with us," said former Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Richie Alarso.
Renowned chef Sandy Daza, on the right end of the photo, recalled that "we were dining at the restaurant, and some Chinese asked if they could take a photo with us" "Of course, Marcos agreed" "After the photo, they left the table."
Presidential Envoy to China Benny Taechico also attended the gathering and appeared in the group photo. He stated, "It was 2020, just after the Covid-19 lockdown. These Chinese were introduced to us by the host to take a photo with Marcos. After the photo, they left, and we continued our meal."
Former world shooting champion Jesro Dionisio and Pepe Ortega from La Union also attended the gathering. Both stated they had known the president for decades and refuted the rumors that the then-civilian Marcos's meeting with the Chinese was as rumored, claiming it was merely a simple event where admirers wanted to take a photo with their idol.
Alarso accused those who republished the photo of "malicious cunning, adding their own interpretation to the photo," adding that, in retrospect, they even thought Ong in the photo was the restaurant's receptionist. Ong is a client of lawyer Topacio, and this photo was suddenly displayed by Topacio on Monday, August 26.
