Malacañang has called on Vice President Sara Duterte to personally respond to the allegations being raised against her and her allies instead of portraying the legal proceedings as politically driven.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the cases filed against Duterte are supported by evidence and are being handled in accordance with due process.
Castro made the statement after Duterte criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a gathering of her supporters outside the Quezon City Hall of Justice, shortly after posting bail for three counts of grave threats.
In her remarks, Duterte called Marcos “adik,” “walang-hiya,” and “walang utang na loob” toward those who supported him.
During a press briefing with Malacañang reporters in India on Friday, September 11, Castro questioned whether Duterte’s remarks were influenced by exhaustion and anxiety.
“Baka po ito ay dala ng sleepless nights and anxiety kaya hindi na po siya nakakapag-isip nang maayos at hindi na po siya nakakapag-mensahe nang naaayon sa pagiging isang Bise Presidente,” she said.
Castro also remarked:
“Lumalabas ang totoong Bise Presidente Sara Duterte,”
The Palace official maintained that government agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman and other investigative bodies, do not file cases without sufficient grounds.
She added that the Marcos administration remains committed to ensuring that due process is observed in the handling of the cases.
“Wala naman po talagang drama sa pagsasampa ng mga kaso sa inyo,” she said.
Castro further urged Duterte to personally address the allegations against her, particularly questions surrounding the use of confidential funds, rather than relying solely on her lawyers to respond while criticizing the administration.
The issue comes as Duterte faces an impeachment trial before the Senate, with prosecutors focusing on allegations involving the use of confidential funds and seeking explanations regarding how the money was spent.
According to Castro, the public has been waiting for Duterte herself to provide answers to the allegations.
“Matagal na po kayong hinihintay, Bise Presidente, na magbigay ng inyong depensa,” she said.
She also challenged Duterte to explain documents and receipts allegedly carrying names that were not identified as aliases.
“Ang hiling ng tao po, kayo mismo, ang mag-deny ng lahat ng mga resibo na nakapangalan sa kung kani-kanino na hindi man lang nabanggit na ito ay mga aliases,” she added.
Castro likewise pressed the Vice President to address allegations involving the use of confidential funds for expensive safe-house rentals.
“Mga ginastos na malalaki na hindi maipaliwanag: pagrerenta ng napakamahal na safe houses. Kailangan po ng taong-bayan na madinig ito mula sa inyo,” she said.