Manila, Sept. 14 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rejected claims that the arrest of his cousin and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is part of a political "drama," saying such accusations are merely attacks against his administration.

In a media briefing on Sunday following his attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit in India, Marcos was asked about critics who claimed Romualdez was receiving special treatment or that his arrest was staged.

Marcos said such remarks were not really about the court proceedings.

He said critics were simply looking for something to say to undermine or insult him and his administration.

"It's kind of may masabi, kailangan may masabi para insultuhin ka o to put you down, or sabihin mali 'yung ginagawa...