Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro wrapped up her routine Malacañang press briefing on Monday with a subtle yet sharp warning against wishing for anyone’s death.
After addressing journalists’ queries, Castro surprised the press room by veering away from the day’s scheduled agenda to deliver a pointed closing statement.
“At lagi po nating tandaan, ang bagong Pilipino hindi ipinagdarasal ang kamatayan ng kapwa. Ito ay gawain ng isang kulto, gawain ng kampo ng kasamaan. Huwag po kayong magpa-register sa ganyang klaseng samahan,” Castro said.
She immediately concluded the press briefing after making the remark.
While Castro refrained from naming Vice President Sara Duterte directly or elaborating on the context of her statement, the timing aligns with a viral video circulating on social media.
In the footage, the Vice President was captured making a lighthearted quip about the President’s longevity.
“Masamang damo, matagal mamatay: BBM,” Duterte jokingly remarked.
She followed the comment with another jest regarding potential political backlash.
“Uwi na tayo, baka suspended na tayong lahat bukas, grabe talaga sila mamersonal,” she added.
The Vice President’s remarks were reportedly delivered during a recent trip to Sarangani, where she was overseeing relief operations for local communities heavily hit by a recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake.