Malacañang on Sunday pushed back against criticism from Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, saying he should focus on residents affected by flooding in Davao City instead of attacking the Marcos administration.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the mayor had just returned from an overseas trip and should prioritize the welfare of his constituents.
“Instead na unahin ang kapakanan ng mga constituent sa Davao City dahil nakararanas sila ng pagbabaha, inuna pa talaga ang pamumulitika,” Castro said.
She added that if the mayor paid closer attention to current events, he would be aware of the administration’s ongoing programs and projects.
Castro also rejected Baste Duterte’s claim that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was behind the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the proceedings are the constitutional responsibility of Congress.
“Wala pong kinalaman ang Pangulo sa ginaganap na impeachment trial,” she said.
The Palace official also said that if Vice President Duterte intends to seek the presidency in the future, she should first address the allegations against her, including issues involving confidential funds and alleged unexplained wealth.
“Mas gugustuhin po ng mga tao na bumoto sa taong alam nilang makakapagsilbi at may malinis na dignidad at integridad,” Castro said.
Castro also dismissed allegations that the administration was targeting Duterte allies through politically motivated cases.
She said criminal complaints are filed only when supported by evidence and noted that individuals allied with President Marcos have also faced legal action.
“Hindi lamang mga kaalyado ng mga Duterte ang nasasampahan ng kaso. Nauna na nga pong nakasuhan ang kaalyado ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” she said.
Responding to Baste Duterte’s claim that President Marcos was acting “like a syndicate,” Castro said the accusation was misplaced and referred to previous allegations involving the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
She also rejected attempts to link President Marcos to the International Criminal Court’s investigation of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Castro argued that the ICC case arose from alleged killings committed during the anti-drug campaign and complaints filed by victims, not from any action taken by the current administration.
“Kung walang napatay, walang biktima, walang magkakaso, walang kaso, walang ICC, walang The Hague. So huwag niyang ipahid muli o ituro si Pangulong Marcos Jr. na may kasalanan patungkol dito. Sa kanila po ito nagsimula. Hindi po kay Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” Castro said.
