MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has dismissed Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down as “utter nonsense,” asserting that she lacks the legal and moral ground to make such a demand.
During a Palace briefing on Wednesday, October 14, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro firmly defended the administration, emphasizing the President’s ongoing commitment to public service.
”Wala siyang karapatan na humingi ng resignation ng Pangulo. Ang Pangulo ay nagtatrabaho. Ang Pangulo laging ang iniisip ay kapakanan ng bansa, kapakanan ng taumbayan,” Castro stated.
”So, kung hindi po siya magri-resign, desisyon niya po iyan, walang manghihimasok diyan. Pero ang pagsasabi niya na mag-resign ang Pangulo, iyan ay malaking kalokohan,” she added.
The friction follows Duterte’s statements on Tuesday, where she declared she has no intention of stepping down despite facing mounting allegations and ongoing impeachment proceedings. The Vice President also reiterated her intention to run in the 2028 national elections.
In addition to the resignation dispute, Castro addressed Duterte’s criticisms regarding the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The Vice President had previously questioned the agency’s operations, claiming resources were being utilized for activities lacking clear public benefit.
Castro hit back at the remarks, noting that state-funded agencies are expected to function actively rather than remain idle.
”Ang NBI Director, totoo pinapasuweldo ng gobyerno, kaya nga po nagtatrabaho. Mas mahirap po na sumusuweldo ka, public servant ka, wala kang ginagawa, kung hindi magbakasyon at manira ng ibang opisyal,” Castro said.
Furthermore, the Palace official urged the Vice President to counter corruption and criminal allegations through legal evidence instead of character attacks.
”Ang dapat na tugon dito ay pasinungalingan niya sa pamamagitan ng ebidensiya iyong mga naituturo sa kaniyang diumanong krimen or corruption na ibinabato sa kanya,” Castro explained.
”Hindi po tayo nanghuhusga rito hangga’t wala tayong ebidensya o hindi nagkakaroon ng anumang desisyon ang korte,” she concluded.