Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday criticized Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte after the latter delivered strong remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a political gathering, saying the mayor was “all talk” and lacked action behind his statements.

“Puro salita [si Baste Duterte]. Tayo, laki tayo sa kalye, kung tayo madakdak lang tapos wala namang follow-up, diba supot ka,” Remulla said during an exclusive interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos.

Remulla made the remarks in response to Duterte’s speech at the launch of the Reform Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (RAGE) Coalition in San Juan City, where the mayor sharply criticized the administration and called for stronger centralized leadership.

In a more pointed remark, the DILG chief said: “Ang yabang puro salita, pero kung tanggalin mo sa Davao. Wala naman, ayaw gumalaw.”

“Call him out. Matapang ka, matapang ka. Tingnan natin kung gaano katapang ka ngayon,” Remulla added.

Remulla’s comments came after Duterte’s speech, where the mayor declared that the country needs “only one head,” referring to Marcos.

“Lahat ng politiko, kailangan bitawan natin ‘yung mga pansarili nating gusto, we have to be selfless… Isang ulo lang naman ang kailangan namin, ang ulo ni Bongbong Marcos!” the mayor added.

Remulla dismissed concerns that Duterte’s remarks constituted a serious threat, saying the statements were open to interpretation and remained within acceptable bounds of political expression.

“Ang sinabi niya kasi is a…cause the line of a direct threat. It can mean other things. Mayroong room for interpretation, ‘yun ganyan still within the bounds, hindi siya lumalagpas,” he said.

He also argued that giving too much attention to such statements would only amplify them further.

“Kung pansinin mo masyado ang sinasabi niya lalaki lang kasi i-chacharge mo tapos ipapaliwanag mo, lalaki at lalaki ‘yan. Pero kung tawagin kong supot, wala na tumahimik na,” the DILG chief emphasized.

Despite the exchange of sharp words, the DILG chief said political rhetoric should be countered by calling out inconsistencies rather than escalating conflict.

“You have to call him out na hanggang salita lang siya. I think it’s better that way,” he said.