Vice President Sara Duterte has chosen to rise above political controversies and remain focused on fulfilling her mandate until 2028, Office of the Vice President (OVP) spokesperson Ruth Castelo said on Friday.
In a media interview, Castelo said the Vice President has learned to move beyond political noise and personal grievances, directing her energy toward governance and public service.
“I think she is above sentiments already. She’s just focused on how to move forward, how to steer the Office of the Vice President forward. And we aim to finish with a standing ovation in 2028,” Castelo said.
She added that Duterte has made it clear that politics must never interfere with the OVP’s mission.
“I’ve been observing that VP Sara has set aside such things. We’re focused now—no anger, no emotions. We just continue to work,” Castelo said.
“Anything political, she made it clear that it should not affect the Office of the Vice President or any of its staff,” she added.
According to Castelo, Duterte has instructed her staff to remain professional and dedicated to their duties despite the tense political atmosphere, now clouded by investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
“So all of us are focused on our mandate. As soldiers, we move on. We don’t let it affect us because what the people need is service—not for us to be distracted by political noise,” Castelo said.
Duterte has denied any involvement in the multibillion-peso flood control controversy, describing attempts to link her to the issue as politically motivated and meant to divert public attention from other matters, including the confidential funds controversy that triggered an impeachment complaint against her.