MANILA - Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday dismissed allegations by former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte that Vice President Leni Robredo and several others were involved in a plot to oust his father, President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The first time that I saw that posting, I say it’s a fake news. I still maintain that’s a fake news” Lorenzana told reporters at the Villamor Air Base on the sidelines of handover ceremonies of the Balangiga Bells.

In a post on his Facebook page, the younger Duterte named Robredo, some Catholic bishops, Tindig Pilipinas, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation director Carmen Pedrosa as those involved in the plot.

Robredo, who was earlier linked in a similar plot, has denied the allegation of the President's son, who is running for Davao City representative in next year's elections.

Military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo declined to comment on the alleged plot involving Robredo, saying he has to see Paolo's statement first.

A security official who spoke on condition of anonymity said they have not received any information linking the Vice President to the ouster plot.

"We have no such report, that is not true," the source said.

"That may be politics already since Paolo is running for Congress. They (Paolo's camp) need issues. It's more of [a] political, personal war," he said.

Malacañang has said it respects the younger Duterte's freedom of expression and added that the President does not meddle in the affairs of his children.

• Palasyo, dumistansiya sa 'oust Duterte' post ni 'Pulong'

-- With a report from Jorge Cariño, ABS-CBN News