Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Wednesday stated that attacking an official’s character or agency is an inappropriate way to address allegations or defend oneself against claims of wrongdoing.
Castro issued the statement after Vice President Sara Duterte accused the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), under Director Melvin Matibag, of displaying political bias against her.
The Vice President’s camp had also questioned why the bureau was being utilized for activities that yielded no clear public benefit.
The exchange followed Matibag’s presentation detailing properties linked to the Vice President amid ongoing inquiries regarding her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
“Ang pagtuligsa sa katauhan ng isang tao, hindi po ito tugon sa mga ibinabatong akusasyon or diumanong anomalya na ginawa ng Bise Presidente,” Castro said.
“Ang dapat na tugon dito ay pasinungalingan niya sa pamamagitan ng ebidensiya iyong mga naituturo sa kaniyang diumanong krimen or corruption na ibinabato sa kaniya,” Castro also said.
Castro emphasized that the government is not passing judgment on her.
She added that NBI personnel, including Matibag, are salaried public servants carrying out their assigned duties.
“Mas mahirap po na sumusweldo ka, public servant ka, wala kang ginagawa, kung hindi magbakasyon at manira ng ibang opisyal,” Castro added.