A new chapter in the escalating tension between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte may be brewing—not just between the country’s top two officials, but possibly among their respective spokespersons.
On July 9, the Office of the Vice President formally introduced Ruth Castelo as Duterte’s new spokesperson.
Castelo previously served as Undersecretary at the Department of Trade and Industry under the Marcos administration until what sources described as a “bitter exit” in December 2023.
Facing the media for the first time in her new role, Castelo stressed that she has no intention of being combative.
“I am not an attack dog. So not being an attack dog, I will not go on the offensive,” Castelo said.
She added, “I will just be straightforward and report what the message of the Office of the Vice President is.”
During a separate press briefing at Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro echoed a similar sentiment, urging the public not to pit them against each other.
“Hindi siya (referring to Castelo) attack dog, definitely, VP Sara does not need any more an attack dog. Hindi niya na po kailangan ang isang attack dog. So, you know what I mean,” Castro said.
The parallel remarks appear to downplay speculations that a verbal clash between the two camps’ communications arms is looming.
Still, observers remain watchful as the political rift between Marcos and Duterte continues to unfold ahead of the State of the Nation Address.