Palace dismisses Duterte's accusations of politicking against administration

MANILA — The Palace downplayed Vice President Sara Duterte's recent assertion that the Marcos administration should "start working and stop politicking," with Press Officer Claire Castro responding with dismissive remarks on Wednesday.

Duterte's statement came as part of a broader critique in which she alleged the government has been attempting to undermine her political position. The Vice President claimed the administration has sought to link her to a business venture purportedly involving Chinese financing and has connected her to a drug-related incident in Laos.

The escalating rhetoric between the two officials reflects deepening rifts within the government hierarchy. Duterte, who ran independently in the last election despite her family's political history, has increasingly criticized administration policies and actions in recent months.

Palace officials have previously dismissed similar allegations from the Vice President as politically motivated. The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Duterte's office as both entities navigate competing political agendas and public messaging.

Photo: Official portrait of Vice President Sara Duterte, 2022. Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).