Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during the press briefing on February 3, 2026. Screen grabbed from RTVM’s livestream.
Malacañang on Friday said the country’s situation might have been different had Vice President Sara Duterte chosen to remain in local government instead of seeking national office in 2022.
The statement followed Duterte’s remarks earlier this week in Davao City, where she reflected on her decision to run for vice president and considered what might have happened had she sought reelection as city mayor.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration viewed Duterte’s own reflections as consistent with the idea that stronger alignment between the President and the vice president could have benefited governance.
Castro said the Palace believed national leadership would have been more effective if the vice president had actively supported the President’s agenda and worked closely with the administration’s priorities.
She added, however, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not express regret over the outcome of the 2022 elections or his choice of running mate.
According to Castro, the Palace’s position was not about revisiting past decisions but about emphasizing the importance of cooperation between top elected officials in pursuing national development.
Duterte earlier said she felt nostalgic upon returning to Davao City and noted changes in her political circumstances following her resignation as education secretary in 2024 and her announcement of plans to seek the presidency.
The Palace said it was aware of differing views surrounding Duterte’s statements, while noting that the Office of the Vice President had yet to issue a response to the latest remarks.
