Metro Manila, Philippines – Communications Undersecretary Claire Castrol criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s early presidential announcement, saying she should focus on her duties instead of what the Palace described as premature politicking, even joking that she should avoid becoming “Sara the Explorer,” in reference to the adventures of an animated character.
In an interview on NewsWatch Plus, Castro was asked about what a possible Duterte presidency could mean for government policies and investigations, and she said the implications remain unclear.
“Hindi ko masabi… Ano mangyayari sa Pilipinas? Lahat ba ng ginagawa ngayon para labanan ang korupsyon ay mababaliwala?” Castro said during a briefing.
[Translation: I can’t say… What will happen to the Philippines? Will everything being done now to fight corruption be set aside?]
She raised concerns about whether programs linked to alleged extrajudicial killings, ghost infrastructure projects or foreign policy decisions could resurface if Duterte wins the presidency.
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains focused on governance rather than election planning, dismissing speculation about potential alliances or tandem candidates for the 2028 polls.
“Ang pangulo, focus sa trabaho, hindi pa namumulitika,” she said.
[Translation: The president is focused on work, not politics yet.]
She added that Marcos is more concerned about flooding mitigation, economic issues and rising prices than preparing a political successor.
“Nape-pressure ang pangulo sa pagtatrabaho… hindi sa paghahanap ng kandidato,” Castro said.
[Translation: The president feels pressure from work… not from finding a candidate.]
Castro also took aim at Duterte’s travels following her presidential announcement, saying public officials should reduce trips if they intend to serve the country.
“Bawas-bawasan na siguro yung mga pagbibiyahe… hindi dapat jetsetter o world tour na parang ‘Sara the Explorer’ ang dating,” she said.
[Translation: Maybe the travel should be reduced… it shouldn’t look like a jet-setter or world tour like ‘Sara the Explorer.’]
She added that announcing a presidential run this early could blur the line between governance and campaigning.
“Kapag sinabi mong tatakbo ka na, parang nangangampanya ka na… tapos hindi ka nagtatrabaho. That’s unfair to the Filipino people,” Castro said.
[Translation: When you say you’re running, it’s like you’re already campaigning… and not working. That’s unfair to the Filipino people.]
