Vice President Sara Duterte has launched a scathing critique against Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, warning that official statements from Malacañang representatives risk causing international embarrassment for the Philippines.
In an interview released by the Office of the Vice President on Friday, May 8, Duterte addressed Castro’s previous commentary regarding the Vice President’s reaction to a potential 2028 presidential bid.
Duterte dismissed the official’s remarks, urging her supporters to ignore the Palace spokesperson.
“Lagi ko sinasabi, na kapag si Claire Castro ang nagsasalita, huwag niyong pansinin o bigyan ng halaga kasi pag pinapansin n’yo, nafi-feed ‘yung kanyang papansin na ugali,” Duterte stated during the May 7 interview.
The Vice President further accused Castro of being an attention-seeker, noting that such behavior is particularly damaging because it is delivered from an official platform.
“Ang problema kasi dyan sa kanyang papansin na ugali (Castro), dadala siya ng kahihiyan sa ating bansa kasi kapag nagsasalita siya, nandyan ‘yung seal ng Office of the President,” she added.
Duterte expressed concern that the global community might form a low opinion of the country based on the quality of official Palace briefings.
“Ibig sabihin, ‘yung buong mundo na nanunuod at nakikinig para bang mag-iisip sila na parang ‘kawawa naman itong Pilipinas’ kasi ganito ‘yung tagapagsalita’,” the Vice President remarked.
The friction comes as political tensions intensify between the Duterte camp and the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
While the Vice President is currently in the Netherlands, her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court.
The verbal exchange is the latest development in a widening rift between the former allies amid talk of impeachment and the upcoming 2028 elections.