MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday urged Vice President Sara Duterte to prioritize public service instead of campaigning to advance her political interests.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement after Duterte hinted that her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, could run for a national position.
“Trabaho muna para sa mga kababayan natin ang unahin hindi puro pangangampanya para maiangat ang mga sarili (Working for our fellow Filipinos should come first, rather than campaigning to advance one’s political interests),” Castro said in a statement.
Castro also criticized Duterte over what she described as her continued attacks against the administration, saying these do not contribute to the country’s welfare and could instead burden the economy.
“Wala na ngang naitutulong sa bayan, nakakabigat pa sa ekonomiya ang mga taong puro paninira lang ang alam (People who do nothing to help the country, and know nothing but to tear others down, only burden the economy),” she said.
Castro also said Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial before the Senate, should answer allegations against her instead of repeatedly claiming ignorance.
“Ang totoong public servant… masipag umaksyon para sa bayan… hindi puwedeng walang alam ang laging panangga sa ibinabatong anomalya sa kanya (A true public servant works diligently for the country. Lack of knowledge cannot always be used as a defense against allegations of wrongdoing),” Castro said.
Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, earlier said her mother had suggested that she return to Davao and allow Baste to take on a national political role.
The Vice President, however, said she and her brother have not discussed a possible presidential run.
