Palace tells VP Sara Duterte to call out own allies over 'politicking'

Malacañang on Friday pushed back against Vice President Sara Duterte's call for government officials to stop politicking and instead focus on peace, order, and development, saying she should direct the same appeal to her own political allies.

In a statement, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro accused Duterte's allies—without identifying them—of engaging in political attacks and spreading false information against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration.

"Ang dapat pagsabihan ni VP Sara ay yung mga kaalyado niya na puro pamumulitika at pagkakalat ng fake news para sirain si Pangulong Marcos, Jr. at ang administrasyon upang iluklok siya kaagad na Pangulo kahit wala pang 2028," Castro said.

Castro also defended the administration's efforts to pursue transparency and accountability, saying these are fundamental responsibilities of public officials.

"Bakit titigilan ang pagsulong ng transparency and accountability? Parte ito ng mandato at obligasyon ng bawat public servant (Why should the pursuit of transparency and accountability be stopped? These are part of the mandate and obligation of every public servant)," Castro said.

The Palace official maintained that Duterte has a duty to respond to the allegations being raised against her, adding that withholding the truth would be a disservice to the public.

"Obligasyon niya bilang Bise Presidente na sagutin ang mga inaakusa sa kanya. Ang pagtatago ng katotohanan patungkol rito ay pagtataksil sa bayan," Castro said.

Castro also dismissed claims that the administration is engaging in political maneuvering, stressing that the impeachment proceedings against the vice president are grounded in the Constitution.

"Walang namumulitika rito; ang impeachment trial ay nakasaad sa ating Konstitusyon (No one is playing politics here—the impeachment trial is provided for in our Constitution)," she said.

She added that President Marcos remains focused on governance, peace, and economic development, while criticizing Duterte for what she described as a lack of contribution in those areas.

"Walang patid ang pagtatrabaho ng Pangulo kahit na ang Bise Presidente ay mas madalas na nakabasyon at umaalis ng bansa. Ano ba ang naitulong na ng Bise Presidente sa Pangulo patungkol sa kaayusan, kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng bansa? Wala," Castro said.

-Paraluman News