Politics · Philippines Bureau
Palace official suggests VP Duterte lacks engagement with administration
A Palace spokesperson has suggested that Vice President Sara Duterte's limited interaction with her office may explain her apparent unfamiliarity with key government initiatives. The remarks underscore growing tensions between the vice president's team and the executive branch.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Palace press officer Claire Castro on Thursday suggested that insufficient coordination between Vice President Sara Duterte's office and the administration could account for the vice president appearing uninformed about government programs.
Castro's comments followed statements from Duterte's newly appointed spokesperson, Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., who indicated that Castro played no role in his appointment. The exchange reflects broader friction between the vice president's camp and Palace officials.
The remarks highlight ongoing challenges in communication between the Office of the Vice President and other branches of the executive branch. Duterte, who assumed her post as the country's second-highest official, has occasionally appeared detached from major policy initiatives announced by the administration.
The tension between the two offices has been a recurring issue, with questions about the vice president's involvement in key government decisions. Castro's comments suggest the Palace views the lack of coordination as a significant impediment to Duterte's engagement with administration priorities.
Neither Duterte's office nor the Palace has issued further statements clarifying the nature of their working relationship or expected collaboration on upcoming initiatives.