Malacañang has strongly responded to Vice President Sara Duterte’s controversial remarks describing a political figure as “masamang damo, matagal mamatay,” during a recent public statement that also referenced President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, June 23, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed the issue, saying that the Vice President’s statement appeared to be linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte and not the current administration.
Castro defended the phrase in relation to the Vice President’s comments, while making pointed accusations regarding past allegations involving her father.
“Sa sinasabing ‘masamang damo, madaling mamatay, BBM,’ sa aking pagkakaalam ay nabanggit niya si dating Pangulo Duterte… So tama naman na masamang damo ang pagkakadescribe niya sa kanyang ama,” Castro said.
She further cited a series of serious allegations, including claims related to killings, corruption, and illegal drug use, referring to previous accusations made against the former president.
“Sino ba ang umamin na siya ay pumapatay? Sino rin ba ang umamin na siya ay nagnanakaw ng pondo ng bayan?… Sino ba ang gumagamit ng marijuana habang siya ay presidente na? Yan naman ay inamin lahat ng kanyang ama,” she added.
Castro argued that the vice president's remark may be interpreted in the context of these allegations, stating, “Maybe tama ang Vice President sa pagkakadescribe sa kanyang ama na masamang damo.”
However, she pushed back against the latter part of the statement referring to death, saying such remarks were inappropriate and appeared to be politically motivated.
She also defended President Marcos, saying public calls for his removal were not reflective of the broader sentiment of the Filipino people.
“Anong sabi ng Pangulo? Huwag naman kayong masyadong excited… Yung mga nagmamadali lang siguro na makapuwesto… 'Yan ang humihiling na mawala ang Pangulo,” Castro said.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in tensions between Malacañang and the vice president, following a series of increasingly sharp political remarks exchanged in recent weeks.
Officials have yet to issue further clarification, while the Palace urged the public to remain focused on governance and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
