Cebu: Malaca±ang said Tuesday that Vice President Sara Duterte's criticism of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. may have been based on wrong information, following her remarks questioning the administration's handling of the impacts of the Middle East crisis. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement after Duterte said in a recent interview that Marcos had 'many shortcomings as President,' citing concerns over empathy and alleged issues in the use of public funds.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated that the Vice President's response may have been influenced by a flawed premise raised during the interview. She noted, "Napansin ko po na maaari na ganito ang nagiging sagot ng Bise Presidente dahil napi-feed siya ng mga maling impormasyon," suggesting that Duterte's remarks might have stemmed from being fed with incorrect information.
Castro pointed to a specific instance where a question posed to Duterte inaccurately claimed that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were upset with Marcos for supposedly not welcoming repatriates at the airport. "So ngayon, dahil mali na iyong premise. kaya tuloy nasasabi nating nagiging source of fake news ang Bise Presidente," Castro explained, emphasizing that a wrong premise can lead to the Vice President becoming a source of misinformation.
She urged journalists to ensure accuracy in their questions to avoid spreading misinformation. Castro remarked, "Mas maganda na maging neutral sa pagtatanong para makapagbigay naman ng matalinong sagot ang ating Bise Presidente," highlighting the importance of neutrality in questioning for more informed responses.
In defense of President Marcos, Castro also pushed back against claims of his shortcomings. She advised, "Mas maganda po sana na gamitin muna ang mata at tenga bago ang bibig. kapag inuna natin ang bibig at hindi ginagamit ang mata, tenga, at utak, magkakamali tayo ng sagot," advocating for thoughtful consideration before speaking to avoid incorrect statements.
Castro further noted that the administration has implemented various programs, including fuel subsidies for public transport drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk, to mitigate the impact of the Middle East crisis.
