MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s participation in the incineration of over ₱9 billion worth of seized drugs in Tarlac, rejecting Vice President Sara Duterte’s criticism that the activity was merely for photo ops.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the President was not on vacation, but “working” and sending a strong message to drug syndicates and the public.

“Ang Pangulo ay gumising ng maaga, pumunta sa Tarlac, nagtrabaho at nag-utos, hindi nagbakasyon. Ang pagtatrabaho ng Pangulo ay hindi photo ops lamang — ito ay babala sa mga kriminal at inspirasyon sa taumbayan,” Castro said.

She also reminded the Vice President that her own father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, had likewise witnessed the destruction of ₱7.51 billion worth of illegal drugs in 2020.

“Baka po nakalimutan ni VP Sara na ang kaniyang ama ay dumalo rin sa incineration ng droga noong 2020 sa Cavite,” Castro added.

On VP Sara’s ‘bobo’ remark, Australia trip

Reacting to Duterte’s statement calling the administration “bobo” for allegedly not understanding the nature of her overseas trips, Castro said the Vice President’s response was “emotional” and raised concerns about accountability.

“May kasabihan: when emotions are high, intelligence is low. Never speak out of anger,” Castro said, emphasizing that the Vice President previously declared her trip as personal, only to later admit she conducted official functions in Australia.

The Palace said this inconsistency creates an ethical issue, particularly after Duterte used official government platforms such as the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Facebook page during her travels.

“Kung ito ay personal trip, hindi na niya kailangang mag-ulat. Pero ngayon na sinabi niyang official function ito, kailangan niyang i-report: sino ang mga kasama, sino ang nagbayad, at ano ang naging benepisyo sa taumbayan,” Castro said.

She urged the Vice President to be transparent and disclose the outcomes of her activities in Australia, saying that public officials are obligated to explain the use of time and resources when acting in their official capacity.

On claim of being ‘2028 frontrunner’ and impeachment motives

Duterte had earlier said her impeachment was being pushed to eliminate her as a frontrunner in the 2028 presidential race — a claim Castro dismissed as a “diversionary tactic.”

“Nawawala sa isyu ang kaniyang accountability, lalo na sa confidential funds. Public servant siya — dapat sagutin niya ang mga isyung ibinabato sa kaniya,” Castro said.

She maintained that the impeachment proceedings are anchored on substantial allegations, not political ambitions.

On travel authority and obligations

When asked who authorized the VP’s travel, Castro confirmed that the Office of the President issued the travel order, but said that Duterte must clarify who traveled with her and whether government funds were used for her companions.

If her trip involved official duties, Castro stressed, the Vice President is also required to submit a liquidation report and present the results of her engagements.

“Ang sabi niya, nagtatrabaho siya. Kung ganon, kailangan niyang mag-ulat at mag-liquidate, dahil ito ay hindi na basta personal trip,” she added.

Palace to VP Sara: Bayan o sarili?

Castro concluded by reiterating that the Vice President should clear up the nature of her trip and be accountable for her actions.

“Ang tanong: bayan o sarili? Kung hindi ito personal, hindi rin bakasyon, nagtatrabaho ba siya? Dapat siya mismo ang magpaliwanag sa taumbayan dahil magulo po ang kaniyang mga pahayag.”