Manila, Feb. 27 -- Malacanang on Friday downplayed as mere "lies and drama" Vice President Sara Duterte's series of verbal attacks, which were seen as character assassination against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., allegedly intended to gain public sympathy.

The statement came after Duterte claimed that several invitations for her to speak at public engagements were cancelled, citing that those who invited her did not want to be "targeted" by the current administration.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that even Duterte's father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, called her a "drama queen."

"Mismo ang dating Pangulong Duterte ang nagsabi na may mga pagkakataon na ang Bise Presidente ay sinungaling (Forme...