Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro entered the conversation on Wednesday, November 26, addressing Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent remarks about her readiness should she need to assume the presidency.
During a palace press briefing, Castro posed a pointed question to the public: “Ang tanong din natin sa taumbayan, handa na po kayo sa mas marami pang Mary Grace Piattos?”
She went on to stress that such statements are inappropriate coming from a sitting vice president.
“It is not acceptable for a Vice President to anticipate the resignation of the President. Presidente na pinagsisigawan nilang bumaba sa puwesto,” she said.
Castro argued that Duterte’s comments amount to political destabilization, weakening trust in the current administration.
“This is definitely a form of political destabilization. Pinapahina niya ang public confidence ng mga tao sa administrasyon,” she asserted. “And those words contribute to the climate of uncertainty and crisis.”
She further claimed that Duterte’s remarks reveal intentions and expectations within the vice president’s camp.
“Kung handa siya, makikita po natin nag-anticipate siya na mawawala ang Pangulo, ‘yan po ang balak nila, ‘yan po ang nasa isip nila, at ‘yan po ang ginagawa nila ngayon,” Castro added.
The vice president recently made headlines after expressing readiness to take over if needed, amid corruption controversies and perceived destabilization threats facing the administration.
As of this writing, Duterte has yet to respond to Castro’s latest remarks.