Malacañang fired back against Vice President Sara Duterte following her remark that she would not have appointed former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as Ombudsman if she were president.

In a press briefing on Monday, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed Duterte’s comments, saying the Vice President’s statement was based on "a dream that will not happen right now."

"Nagkataon po, hindi siya ang presidente, so mahirap po sagutin ang isang pangarap na hindi mangyayari sa ngayon," Castro said.

"Ang alam po natin, the President thinks well, knows better. At alam po din natin na ang Pangulo ang nagpa-umpisa para po labanan ang korupsyon," she added.

Duterte earlier commented on Remulla’s appointment, saying he would not appoint Remulla as Ombudsman if she were the president.

Her statement came after Remulla expressed willingness to make public his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), as well as that of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Castro defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision, expressing full confidence in his judgment and commitment to fighting corruption.

"Hindi po niya hahayaan na ma-tolerate o kampihan o depensahan ‘yung gumagawa ng pagnanakaw ng pondo ng bayan," Castro stressed.