Malacañang has accused Vice President Sara Duterte of humiliating and undermining Filipinos following her recent remarks comparing the nation’s strength to China’s.
During a Palace briefing on Tuesday, November 10, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro strongly condemned the Vice President’s comments, in which she likened the Philippines’ defensive capability to a “little finger” next to a Chinese “fist.”
“[N]i-humiliate ng Bise Presidente, minaliit ng Bise Presidente Sara Duterte ang kakayahan ng mga Pilipino,” Castro said.
“Maliit mang bansa tayo kung magkakaisa-isa ang bawat Pilipino, walang makakatalo sa katapangan, kagitingan ng isang tunay na Pilipino,” she added.
Castro emphasized that a true leader must never capitulate, while also cautioning the public against potential foreign influence.
“Ang isang liderato, hindi dapat sumusuko. Ang sabi ng Pangulo, iisa lang ang bansa natin, iisang bansa ang dapat natin pinuprotektahan. Magkakaiba man ang opinion sa ibang bagay pero ang pagmamahal sa bansa ay hindi dapat nahahati-hati,” Castro stated.
“Kaya tandaan natin, baka marami nang Manchurian candidates ang nakapaligid sa ating bansa, mag-ingat po tayo.”
Response on El Niño Remarks
In addition to foreign policy comments, Castro fired back at Duterte’s previous criticisms regarding the government’s handling of the El Niño phenomenon.
During a speaking engagement in Hong Kong, the Vice President questioned state preparedness, arguing that advising citizens to store water in buckets (balde) is insufficient during a severe drought.
Castro dismissed the critique and suggested the Vice President update herself on current national affairs.
“Ang maganda po kasi dito mas i-advise ninyo po ang Bise Presidente na magbasa po ng news, manood ng mainstream news mula sa mainstream media para malaman niya na ang kaniyang ina-advise ay matagal na pong ginagawa ng gobyerno,” Castro said.
“Huwag lang po sanang manatili ang kaisipan sa balde kasi wala pong mararating kung balde lang hihinto ang kaisipan ng isang Bise Presidente.”