Metro Manila, Philippines – The Marcos administration pushed back sharply against Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is facing “a profound crisis of confidence,” accusing her of attempting to appear “clean” despite embroiled in controversies herself.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday rejected Duterte’s remarks after the vice president released a video alleging that the administration lacked direction and resolve in investigating corruption linked to the flood control scandal.
“Hindi po tayo naniniwala sa sinabi ng Bise Presidente,” Castro said. “Huwag magmalinis ang hindi malinis at huwag magpakabayani ang hindi bayani.”
[Translation: We do not believe what the vice president said. Those who are not clean should not pretend to be clean, and those who are not heroes should not act like heroes.]
Castro said Marcos himself initiated corruption probes within the government.
She pointed to alleged irregularities dating back to 2020, including “ghost projects,” and suggested Duterte should first explain controversies tied to the Department of Education during her leadership.
“Siguro siya po mismo ang maglahad kung mayroon siyang nakakaharap na anomalya… dapat manguna po siya sa kanyang pagpapaliwanag kung naniniwala siya sa transparency,” Castro said.
[Translation: She should disclose if she is facing any anomalies… she should lead in explaining if she truly believes in transparency.]
Duterte earlier said Marcos was losing public trust following allegations that billions of pesos were funneled through budget insertions. She recalled resigning as education secretary after learning how lawmakers allegedly manipulated agency budgets.
“The president now faces a profound crisis of confidence,” she said in her video message, adding that corruption probes appeared to lack “direction and resolve.”
She insisted the public had the right to be outraged and said she stood “with the millions of Filipinos dismayed by corruption.”
Duterte’s statement coincided with massive protests organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo, which drew more than 650,000 participants on Sunday.
No benefit to Duterte camp
In a separate interview on Newswatch Plus, House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio said Duterte’s camp appeared eager to capitalize on allegations made by former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who accused Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez of orchestrating ₱100 billion in budget insertions.
But Tinio said the public was not receptive.
“Hindi kumakagat… dahil tingin din ng mga tao, corrupt din ang mga Duterte,” he said.
[Translation: It’s not gaining traction because people also believe the Dutertes are corrupt.]
