Malacañang delivered a sharp rebuke to Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp on Tuesday, declaring that ambition without preparation and competence cannot govern a nation, following demands from the Vice President’s allies for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro directly addressed the resignation calls during a briefing, emphasizing the core qualities required of the nation’s highest office.
“Hindi sapat ang ambisyon para mamuno, kailangan ang kakayahan, sapat na kaalaman at kahandaan sa mga mabibigat na usapin ng bansa lalung-lalo na iyong mga strategic initiatives,” Castro stated.
Castro pointed out that national leadership demands an ability to simultaneously navigate complex global and domestic challenges, including high-stakes geopolitical matters like the West Philippine Sea and Pax Silica.
She suggested that those slinging criticism are often the ones avoiding their own responsibilities, contrasting their political attacks with the Chief Executive’s work ethic.
“Sa mga taong hindi nagtatrabaho, hindi nila nakikita ang taong tunay na nagtatrabaho,” she added.
The Palace press officer went on to dismiss as “delusional” the demands made by lawyer Salvador Panelo Jr., spokesman for the Vice President, who argued that Marcos is “not fit for office” and claimed the President is “out of touch with reality” for attributing Duterte’s opposition to personal anger rather than governance issues. Castro countered that Panelo’s calls are entirely baseless maneuvering intended solely to install the Vice President in power.
Clarifying recent remarks by the Chief Executive, Castro explained that Marcos’s comment, that “you cannot force anyone to love you,” was aimed directly at Duterte’s apparent personal animosity toward him, rather than a dismissal of the critical issues facing the country.