Malacañang Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro emphasized on Thursday that expressions of anger or hatred toward the government should not come from the Vice President, the country’s second-highest official.
During a Palace briefing, Castro was asked about Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent remarks at a rally in Cebu, where Duterte stated that Filipinos have the right to express anger to make public officials aware of their concerns.
“It’s disappointing that such statements came from the second-highest leader of the country, as it seems she is encouraging people to be angry at the government,” Castro said in Filipino.
She added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not react to Duterte’s comments, as such statements should not come from a top government official.
Castro suggested that instead of fueling public resentment, Duterte should promote cooperation with the government.
“It would be better if she encouraged people to work together rather than foster hatred toward the administration,” Castro said.
She also stressed the importance of unity, saying, “It’s better if we uplift each other rather than have some people trying to bring the government down.”
GMA News Online has reached out to Duterte for her response but has yet to receive a reply.
Duterte, who was impeached by the House of Representatives, has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of issues related to healthcare, security, infrastructure, and foreign influence. She has also accused officials of failing to uphold their sworn duties.