Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday rejected Vice President Sara Duterte's statement that she is prepared to assume the presidency should President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. resign, calling the remark 'unacceptable' and a potential source of political instability. 'It is not acceptable for a Vice President to anticipate the resignation of the President,' Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a media briefing.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated that such comments undermine public confidence in the administration at a time when political groups are being accused of discussing succession scenarios, transition councils, and questioning the President's fitness to lead. 'This is definitely a form of political destabilization. Pinapahina niya ang public confidence ng tao sa administrasyon (She is weakening the people's public confidence in the administration),' she said.
Castro also referenced recent controversies involving the Office of the Vice President's confidential funds, invoking the name 'Mary Grace Piattos,' an alleged fictitious individual linked to earlier fund misuse claims. 'Ang tanong din natin sa taumbayan: handa na ba kayo sa mas marami pang Mary Grace Piattos? (We also want to ask the public: are you ready for more cases like Mary Grace Piattos?),' she said.
Duterte's assertion that she is 'ready' was interpreted by Castro as an indication that her camp is anticipating a vacancy in the presidency. 'Kung handa siya, makikita natin na nag-anticipate siya na mawawala ang Pangulo. 'Yan po ang nasa isip nila at 'yan po ang ginagawa nila ngayon. (If she is ready, it shows they are anticipating that the President will no longer be there. That's what they are thinking, and that is what they are doing now),' she said.
When asked whether the President remains fit to lead in light of the ongoing political noise, the Palace official was categorical. 'Tinatanong pa po ba 'yan? (Is that still need to be asked?) Of course!,' she responded. 'Nakikita natin ang trabaho ng Pangulo. Sino po ba talaga ang ready na maging leader ng bansa? Walang iba kundi si Pangulong Marcos Jr. (We see the President working every day. Who is truly ready to lead the country? No one else but President Marcos Jr.)'
Castro concluded by emphasizing that the President continues to 'work daily without pause,' noting that even vacations and personal time have been set aside due to national priorities.
