MANILA, Philippines — Atty. Paolo Panelo, spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte, fired back at Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Wednesday following her claims regarding the Vice President’s alleged ties to Ramil Madriaga and Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
In a concise statement issued on October 7, Panelo addressed Castro’s assertion that Duterte is acquainted with Madriaga and Gracioso, which Castro had supported by citing photos and videos purportedly showing the Vice President interacting with the two individuals.
“Hindi naman bawal magtanga-tangahan. Nakakahiya lang,” Panelo said.
Panelo’s counterattack arrives amid heightened political friction surrounding the Vice President, her family’s future political trajectory, and a wave of allegations leveled against her office and political allies.
The exchange follows statements Panelo made on October 6 targeting Castro, after the Palace official reacted to Duterte’s mention that her mother had advised her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, to seek national office in her stead.
Panelo described Castro’s remarks as ironic and redirected the critique toward the Marcos administration.
“Ironic kasi ganyan na ganyan ang tingin ng maraming Pilipino sa boss niya,” Panelo said.
“Sino ba ang walang inatupag kung hindi political persecution at political consolidation? Sino ba ang namamahala sa bagsak nating ekonomiya?,” Panelo said.
“Sino ba ang wala daw alam sa pinakamalaking corruption scandal sa kasaysayan ng bansa, sa gobyernong pinamumunuan niya, na may kinalaman pa ang pinsan niya? Sino ba ang sinisisi sa Duterte ang lahat ng pagkukulang niya?,” he added.