Malacañang on Tuesday pushed back against Vice President Sara Duterte’s criticism of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.’s leadership, particularly on issues involving the Middle East and the use of public funds, suggesting her remarks were fueled by misinformation and flawed premises.
In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed Duterte’s claims, suggesting that the Vice President may have been misinformed about the administration’s efforts.
Castro said perhaps the Vice President is being fed incorrect information, which is why she fails to see the programs and actions undertaken by the President.
“Dahil mali na yung premise, sumagot ang Vice President. Ang sabi niya, nakikiisa tayo sa pinagdadaanan ng karamihan nating mga kababayan sa overseas. At yan, nabanggit mo nga, marami siyang kakulangan bilang presidente,“ Castro said.
Duterte, speaking during an interview in Digos City on March 16, said Marcos had “many shortcomings as President,” citing concerns not only about his response to the situation in the Middle East but also alleged issues surrounding the use of government funds.
“Marami siyang kakulangan bilang Presidente, hindi lamang sa pagbibigay ng simpatya at empathy sa ating mga kababayan. More than that ay 'yung problema at iskandalo sa paggamit ng pera ng bayan,” the Vice President Sara said.
In response, Castro emphasized that the administration has been actively implementing programs and initiatives, including efforts directed at assisting Filipinos in the Middle East.
“Marami na po tayong nabanggit kung ano mga programa ng Pangulo. Kahapon lamang po ay nagbigay siya ng kanyang mensahe. Ang mga naging trabaho at accomplishments ng pamahalaan para sa ating mga kababayan. Especially patungkol dito sa nangyayari sa Middle East,” she said.
Castro also advised Duterte to verify information before making public statements.
“Mas maganda po sana na gamitin muna ang mata at tenga bago ang bibig,” she said.
“Dahil pag inuna natin ang bibig at hindi ginagamit ang mata, tenga, at utak, magkakamali kayo na sagot,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Palace official also called on members of the media to remain neutral and ensure their questions are based on verified facts.
“Dapat ang reporter, alam kung hindi kayo parte doon, dapat pag nagtanong sa kanilang ini-interview ay mayroong facts, mayroong resibo. Katulad ng sinabing masamang-masama ang loob kay PBBM dahil hindi sinalubong sa airport, saan nanggaling ang kwento na iyon?,” Castro noted.
“Kaya tuloy na sasabi natin, nagiging source of fake news ang Vice President dahil pinagmumulan din ng fake news 'yung tanong ng ibang reporter,“ she said.
She further warned that misleading questions could contribute to the spread of misinformation, saying such situations may inadvertently turn public officials into sources of false information.
“Mas maganda na maging neutral sa pagtatanong para makapagbigay naman ng matalinong sagot ang ating Vice President,“ Castro emphasized.
Despite the exchange, Malacañang reiterated its stance that the administration continues to address national concerns and support Filipinos abroad.
