Malacañang on Friday slammed Vice President Sara Duterte for spreading misinformation and disinformation about the supposed depletion of government funds.
Palace Challenges VP to Show Evidence
Speaking to reporters in Cebu, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro challenged Duterte to show proof to support her claims.
"Sige hingin niyo muna yung ebidensya sa kanya at tsaka ko sasagutin pag may ebidensya na siya. Puro misinformation and disinformation," she said.
Castro made the remarks after Duterte claimed that the government is running out of funds. Duterte also criticized the current administration over the rising national debt and unemployment, attributing the issues to a lack of focus on governance.
Defense of Economic Policies
Castro defended the administration's economic policies, stressing that government borrowing is normal to support public services and projects. She added that the Marcos administration inherited a large debt burden from the past administration led by Duterte's father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.
"Ngayon, kung meron tayong mga pagkakautang, ito ay normal naman sa ibang bansa para maibigay na tulong sa ating mga kababayan. At tandaan po natin, lumaki po ang utang hindi po sa panahon ngayon lamang," Castro said.
"Lumaki ang utang dahil namana po ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang napakalaking utang na nakuha ni dating pangulong Duterte at ito ay napabayaan di umano dahil sa pang-aabuso sa Pharmally at mga ghost projects noon ng Build, Build, Build," she added.
Marcos' Work Ethic vs. Duterte's Vacation
Castro also defended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. against Duterte's allegations that the Chief Executive was not working. She cited Marcos' recent engagements, including the nationwide rollout of expanded government aid program and his continued monitoring of the situation in Albay amid Mayon Volcano's unrest.
She said Marcos is currently hosting the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, while Duterte is busy traveling in European and Asian countries.
"Nakita niyo po kung gaano po magtrabaho ang Pangulo. Ngayon po nandito siya, abalang-abala sa ASEAN Summit. Ang mga concerned agencies at departments ng Ehekutibo ay nandito para magtabaho. Samantalang ang Bise Presidente nandoon po sa ibang bansa at nagbabakasyon," Castro said.
She also took a swipe at Duterte's recent admission that she is not adept at using computers, saying this raised concerns about her leadership capability.
"Kaya nga sabi natin mas maganda mag-aral muna siya mag-computer para alam naman niya yung mga katotohanan. Nakakalungkot po," she said.
