Malacañang emphasized President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s dedication to governance over leisure, indirectly addressing criticisms about officials taking vacations during pressing times.
“Aksyon, aksyon, at aksyon — that’s the President’s directive,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro in a briefing. “The President is focused on meeting the needs of the Filipino people, not taking vacations.”
When asked if her comments targeted a specific individual, Castro replied, “Is someone on vacation? I’m speaking in general. The President is about action, not vacation.” She later added, “I’m not referring to anyone in particular—unless you know someone currently on vacation.”
Her remarks followed Vice President Sara Duterte’s personal trip to Kuala Lumpur with her family, announced earlier in the week. Duterte, currently facing an impending impeachment trial over confidential fund issues, also attended events hosted by overseas Filipino workers and met with PDP-Laban allies, including senators Robin Padilla and Imee Marcos.
Both Padilla and Marcos, among 18 senator-judges in the impeachment process, voted to return the articles of impeachment to the House.