Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for disseminating misinformation regarding the alleged depletion of government funds. Speaking to reporters in Cebu, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro challenged Duterte to provide evidence for her assertions. 'Sige hingin niyo muna yung ebidensya sa kanya at tsaka ko sasagutin pag may ebidensya na siya. Puro (Ask her first for evidence and I will respond once she has proof. It's all) misinformation and disinformation,' Castro stated, following Duterte's claims about the government's financial status.
According to Philippines News Agency, Duterte had also criticized the current administration, citing rising national debt and unemployment, and attributing these issues to a lack of focus on governance. Castro, however, defended the administration's economic policies, explaining that borrowing is a normal governmental practice to support public services and projects. She noted that the Marcos administration inherited a substantial debt from the previous administration led by Duterte's father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Castro further elaborated, 'Ngayon, kung meron tayong mga pagkakautang, ito ay normal naman sa ibang bansa para maibigay na tulong sa ating mga kababayan. At tandaan po natin, lumaki po ang utang hindi po sa panahon ngayon lamang (If we have debts, that is normal among countries in order to provide assistance to our fellow Filipinos. And let us remember that the debt did not increase only during the present administration).' She added that the debt was exacerbated by past abuses associated with Pharmally and ghost projects under the Build, Build, Build program.
Castro also defended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., refuting Duterte's allegations that he was not working. She mentioned Marcos' recent initiatives, such as the expanded government aid program and his active involvement with the ASEAN Summit. 'Nakita niyo po kung gaano po magtrabaho ang Pangulo. Ngayon po nandito siya, abalang-abala sa ASEAN Summit. Ang mga concerned agencies at departments ng Ehekutibo ay nandito para magtabaho. Samantalang ang Bise Presidente nandoon po sa ibang bansa at nagbabakasyon (You can see how hard the President works. Right now, he is here very busy with the ASEAN Summit. The concerned agencies and departments of the Executive are here to work, while the Vice President is in another country on vacation),' remarked Castro.
Additionally, Castro commented on Duterte's recent confession regarding her lack of computer skills, implying this raised questions about her leadership capabilities. 'Kaya nga sabi natin mas maganda mag-aral muna siya mag-computer para alam naman niya yung mga katotohanan. Nakakalungkot po (That is why we said it would be better for her to first learn how to use a computer so she would know the facts. It is unfortunate),' Castro said.
Meanwhile, at the House of Representatives, Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V and Jay Khonghun urged Vice President Duterte to address the impeachment complaint filed against her directly. Ortega criticized Duterte's diversion tactics, stating that her claims about lawmakers profiting from her name were a distraction from the substantial evidence outlined in the Articles of Impeachment. He emphasized the need for Duterte to respond to the allegations rather than questioning the motives of lawmakers.
Ortega's statement came after news that over 200 lawmakers were expected to sign the impeachment complaint, prompting Duterte to accuse them of profiteering. He rejected her insinuations about monetary motivations and emphasized the need for a Senate trial to properly address the allegations. Khonghun echoed this sentiment, urging Duterte to focus on the impeachment case's evidence rather than diverting attention to other political rivalries. He insisted that investigations into alleged irregularities should be handled by appropriate agencies and stressed the public's demand for transparency regarding the issues raised in the Articles of Impeachment.
