Malacañang on Friday firmly dismissed allegations by Vice President Sara Duterte claiming President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. exercises control over the Senate, the courts, and the police force. Palace officials turned the focus back onto Duterte, accusing her of spending her time disparaging state institutions instead of carrying out her official duties.
In a video statement sent to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro slammed the Vice President’s remarks as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
“Imbis na magtrabaho ang Bise Presidente para sa ikagiginhawa ng taong bayan, nauubos ang oras niya sa mga ganitong klase ng paninira sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, pati na sa Senado, sa Korte, sa kapulisan,” Castro said.
Calling out the rhetoric, Castro added, “ang paninirang ito ay walang basehan, kundi galing lang sa madumi at maitim na isipan ni Bise presidente Sara Duterte.”
Duterte’s claims were voiced earlier this month after she posted bail for three counts of grave threats stemming from public statements involving President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. The Vice President currently faces an impeachment trial before the Senate over allegations concerning the misuse of confidential funds, bribery, grave threats, and unexplained wealth.
Castro openly questioned Duterte’s motives and readiness for higher office, “handa na raw siyang maging Pangulo o handa na siyang maging panggulo?”
Addressing suggestions from Duterte’s camp that the Vice President stands ready to assume the presidency, Castro shut down any possibility of a presidential resignation during a television interview.
“Unang-una, walang mag-re-resign. Wish lang nila yun. Dahil ang Pangulo tumutupad sa kanyang tungkulin at nagtatrabaho para sa bayan at sa bansa. At sa taong bayan. So, kung wish nila na mag-re-resign ng Pangulo, I’m sorry,” Castro stated.