Malacañang on Thursday, September 17, rejected statements from Office of the Vice President (OVP) Spokesperson Atty. Paolo Panelo regarding Vice President Sara Duterte’s readiness to take over the presidency should President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. step down.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cast doubt on whether the succession claim holds any real weight, specifically targeting the idea that Duterte could seamlessly step into the top post.
“Kaya ba nila? Kaya ba nila agad-agad na puwedeng i-resign ng Pangulo? Ayun lang po yung ano? O, normal at natural ito sa mga kaalyado at alagad ng bise presidente, pero kung kakayanin niya sa ngayon na pumalit kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., seryoso ba ito?” Castro stated during a press briefing.
When asked if the administration takes Panelo’s remarks as a serious assertion, Castro stood by her initial critique of the statement.
“Kahapon ko pa po sinabi, it is absolutely delusional,” she added.
Panelo’s earlier remarks focused on the constitutional rules of succession, assuring that the Vice President stands prepared to lead the country if Marcos vacates office.
The Palace has consistently dismissed demands for President Marcos to resign, while firmly pushing back against claims that the Vice President is set to assume power.