Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro pushed back against Vice President Sara Duterte’s criticisms, arguing that it is Duterte who lacks professionalism and accountability by resorting to personal attacks instead of addressing issues directly. Castro defended her role in communicating administration policy and addressing allegations against President Marcos using facts.
“Ang tunay na professional ay nakikita sa gawa at hindi sa salita lamang. Ang isang leader na professional ay nananatili sa bansa upang mamuno, lalong-lalo na sa oras ng kalamidad,” Castro said. “Sumusunod sa batas at hindi gumagamit ng dahas. At humaharap sa mga akusasyon gamit ang malinaw na ebidensya, sa halip na pag-iwas o paninira sa administrasyon.”
Castro also said that true leadership advances national development, framing Duterte’s conduct as a failure to meet these standard expectations.
“Kung susuriin ang mga pamantayang ito, malaki ang kakulangan ng bise presidente sa pagpapakita ng tunay na profesionalismo at pananagutan sa publiko,” she noted.
The response follows Duterte’s call for Castro to act professionally after Castro dismissed the Vice President’s claim that the International Criminal Court (ICC) acts as a “lapdog” for the Marcos administration.
“Kapag hindi niya nasasagot ang aking mga nasasabi, magsisimula na siyang mamersonal at manira ng walang basehan. Hindi iyan professional,” Castro said.