Palace hits VP Sara for sowing division, hatred

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro expressed disappointment over the recent statement of Duterte, which was made during a recent visit to Cebu, where she reportedly told Cebuanos they have the right to “show anger to the government.” (PNA file photo by Darryl John Esguerra)

MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday took a swipe at Vice President Sara Duterte for supposedly encouraging Filipinos to show anger toward the government, describing the remarks as divisive and an attempt to sow discord.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro expressed disappointment over the recent statement of Duterte, which was made during a recent visit to Cebu, where she reportedly told Cebuanos they have the right to “show anger to the government.”

“Unang-una, nakakalungkot po na mula sa pangalawang pinakamataas na lider ng bansa ay mukha pang nag-i-encourage siya sa mga tao na magalit sa gobyerno (First of all, it’s disappointing that the second highest official is telling the people and as if encouraging them to be angry at the government),” Castro said.

She added that when President Ferdinand Marcos R.

Jr. learned of Duterte’s remarks, he did not respond, considering it inappropriate for the country’s second-highest official to make such statements.

Castro raised questions about the Vice President’s stance, referencing her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and his controversial legacy.

“Ang tanong lamang po: Noong panahon ba ng kaniyang ama, nagsabi rin po ba siya na maaari po kayong magalit, lalong-lalo na po noong ang kaniyang ama ay nabansagan at nabigyan po at kinilala bilang ‘most corrupt’ noong 2017? (The only question is: During his father’s time, did she also say that people can be angry, especially when his father was labeled and recognized as the ‘most corrupt’ in 2017?),” Castro said.

She recalled that in 2017, former president Duterte was recognized as the “most corrupt” by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.

The Palace official also pointed out the issues surrounding the Department of Education (DepEd) under the Vice President’s leadership, particularly the controversy involving the alleged spoiled food intended for students.

Castro stressed that as Vice President, Duterte should encourage unity and cooperation rather than fuel anger and division.