Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday clapped back at Vice President Sara Duterte for claiming that the Philippines seems to be heading "to the dumpster," questioning her commitment to her duties as the second-highest leader of the land due to her prolonged 'absenteeism.'

According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro turned the tables on Duterte, saying that the country could indeed be heading in the wrong direction if absentee leaders like her were in charge of the country. Castro highlighted concerns about Duterte's priorities, questioning her frequent travels abroad while emphasizing the critical role of leadership presence.

The Vice President is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, to oversee the defense of her father, detained former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is being charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC) with alleged crimes against humanity for his brutal war on drugs during his tenure as Davao City Mayor and president.

Castro suggested that Duterte's absence in the Philippines was hindering her ability to fully carry out her duties as Vice President. She expressed concern that Duterte was out of touch with the ongoing work of the administration, which could affect her ability to make informed statements about the nation's trajectory.

She added that Duterte was out of touch with the ongoing work of the administration. Castro elaborated that Duterte's statements about the country's direction might stem from her lack of awareness of the government's efforts, projects, and programs aimed at aiding the populace.