Vice President Sara Duterte has no right to call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s resignation, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said, describing the demand as “big nonsense.”
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Oct. 14, Castro defended Marcos, saying the President was carrying out his duties and prioritizing the welfare of the country and its people.
“Kung hindi po siya mag-resign, decision niya po 'yan. Walang manghihimasok diyan,” Castro said.
”Pero ang pagsasabi niya na mag-resign ang Pangulo, 'yan ay malaking kalokohan,” she added.
Duterte earlier said she would not resign as vice president despite the ongoing impeachment proceedings against her, which could lead to her disqualification from holding public office if she is convicted and the corresponding penalty is imposed.
She also dismissed allegations questioning Marcos’ actions, saying the President was not engaging in secret deals with foreign entities to betray the interests of Filipinos.
“Wala siyang karapatan na humingi ng resignation ng Pangulo. Ang Pangulo ay nagtatrabaho. Ang Pangulo ay laging ang iniisip ay kapakanan ng bansa, kapakanan ng taongbayan,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, Castro said Malacañang no longer expected Duterte to help Marcos address the effects of Super El Niño.
“Ano maeexpect natin sa Bise Presidente na pagtulong sa isinasagawa ng Pangulo, sa mga interventions ng gobyerno, wala tayong lalong maasahan sa Bise Presidente,” Castro said.
Castro also accused Duterte of having ulterior motives in criticizing Marcos’ plans to address Super El Niño, describing the remarks as an attempt at “character assassination“ to boost the vice president’s public image.
