Claire Castro Fires Back at VP Sara Duterte Over Professionalism Remarks

In a recent ANC 24/7 report, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro fired back at Vice President Sara Duterte after the Vice President told her to act more professionally in public statements. Castro insisted that professionalism is demonstrated through actions, not just words, as the Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, continues its proceedings against Duterte over alleged misuse of confidential funds. The clash deepened the divisions between Malacañang and the Office of the Vice President.

Claire Castro Counters VP Sara Duterte's Professionalism Remarks in Heated Palace Spat

Manila, Philippines – Saturday, August 8 — Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro issued a video statement on her personal YouTube channel Friday criticizing Vice President Sara Duterte for lacking professionalism and public accountability. Castro's remarks followed Duterte's Thursday interview in Davao City where the Vice President questioned Castro's conduct as a spokesperson for the Office of the President.

The Story: A War of Words Over Professionalism

Claire Castro, sworn in as Palace press officer on February 24, 2025, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., directly addressed Duterte's statements from the previous day. In her Friday video, Castro argued that true professionalism is shown through deeds, not just speech. She outlined standards including staying in the country during calamities such as the current habagat rains flooding Luzon, obeying the law without violence, and addressing accusations with evidence rather than evasion.

Castro emphasized her role at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to counter disinformation and present evidence against baseless claims targeting the Marcos administration. She noted that Duterte's frequent trips abroad, including to The Hague, fall short of these expectations amid the southwest monsoon affecting Metro Manila and other regions.

The Back-and-Forth: Quotes From Both Sides

On Thursday in Davao City, Vice President Sara Duterte stated that Claire Castro serves as spokesperson of the President and the Office of the President. "By the fact that you are a spokesperson and have the seal of the Office of the President there, you should be professional in what you say," Duterte said. Duterte added that Castro does not have the liberty to say whatever she thinks because she speaks for the office, telling the Palace official: "When there is a seal behind you, in front of you, professionalism is required, that is what you should show and give to the people."

Castro replied Friday that when the Vice President cannot refute statements, she resorts to personal attacks and baseless accusations, which is not professional. "A true professional is defined by one's actions, not merely by words," Castro said, adding that "a professional leader stays in the country to lead, especially during times of calamity; obeys the law without resorting to violence; addresses accusations with clear evidence rather than evading them or criticizing the administration." She concluded that based on these standards, "the Vice President falls short in demonstrating true professionalism and public accountability."

The dispute began when Castro dismissed as "baseless, pointless and useless" Duterte's claim that President Marcos is supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and vice versa, a charge the Vice President has repeated while urging the ICC to expedite her father's trial in The Hague. Castro, whose mandate at the PCO includes countering disinformation, said the Palace responds to baseless accusations only when supported by concrete evidence.

The Impeachment Trial Context

The Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court began proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte on July 7, 2026, with Senate President Win Gatchalian noting the trial could last up to seven months. Charges include alleged misuse of 612.5 million pesos in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. Daily sessions reached Day 14 this week, including COA auditor testimony on 125 million pesos in OVP confidential funds on August 4 and the emergence of a 70,000-peso medicine receipt labeled Mary Grace Piattos on August 8.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte remains detained at the ICC in The Hague on crimes against humanity charges related to the drug war. Vice President Duterte has urged the ICC to expedite his trial while the impeachment proceedings continue in Manila.

The Senate acting as an Impeachment Court places senator-judges in a unique dual role, requiring them to weigh evidence with both legal precision and political awareness. Procedural timelines allow for extended presentation of records and witness accounts, giving both sides opportunities to clarify or challenge claims before any final decision. Possible outcomes range from acquittal to conviction, each carrying distinct consequences for the stability of the executive branch and the continuity of public programs under scrutiny.

The Broader Feud: Castro vs. the Duterte Family

This exchange builds on prior clashes. In late July, Castro criticized Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte for prioritizing politicking over helping flood victims. On July 30, Castro traded barbs with Senator Imee Marcos over an "impakta" video mocking the Palace press official, telling the senator "takes one to know one." Vice President Duterte also criticized DILG Secretary Remulla's joke class suspension posts in late July, prompting Remulla to note that even the Vice President had criticized him.

Duterte defended visits to Quezon City Jail including to Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and former representative Mike Defensor, stating she sees nothing wrong with visiting friends such as Arnie Teves and Pastor Quiboloy. An OCTA Research survey from July 4-11 showed 43 percent support for Duterte in a hypothetical matchup against Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo at 34 percent.

Castro's combative approach since taking her post reflects the Marcos administration's effort to assert control over the narrative amid the unraveling of the once-solid Marcos-Duterte alliance. The Duterte family's entrenched position in Mindanao continues to provide a strong base, yet ongoing clashes with Palace figures illustrate how personal and political rivalries can spill into public view. In the context of the 2025 midterms, these feuds serve as early indicators of positioning for the 2028 elections.

Impact on Filipinos

Families in Metro Manila and Luzon facing habagat flooding and landslide risks in 9,085 barangays warned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on August 8 feel the effects of leadership absences during calamities. Workers and students in affected areas rely on coordinated government response that Castro argues requires leaders to remain in the country. Communities in Davao and Quezon City watch as the tug-of-war between the Palace and the Vice President's office diverts attention from public services funded by confidential allocations now under Senate scrutiny.

When political disputes draw focus away from immediate needs like flood response and public service delivery, ordinary families in affected areas experience delays in aid and coordination that directly touch daily routines. During the monsoon season, the cost of instability becomes tangible as local governments wait for clearer national direction, affecting everything from school schedules to emergency preparedness in vulnerable barangays.

What to Watch For

Observers will monitor the next days of the Senate impeachment trial as testimony continues on confidential fund usage. Attention will center on whether the Senate can reach the two-thirds threshold needed for conviction, a threshold that would reshape the vice presidency and force new calculations within both major political camps. Sara Duterte's options, including legal appeals or renewed public outreach, will likely evolve in response to each phase of the proceedings.

Further statements from Claire Castro at the Presidential Communications Office and responses from Vice President Sara Duterte could shape coverage ahead of potential survey releases. Developments at the ICC in The Hague regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte's case may create ripple effects that intersect with domestic sentiment, while survey movements could signal shifting voter priorities ahead of future contests.

As the impeachment trial and the Palace-VP feud unfold in parallel, Filipino voters will be watching how each side balances institutional duty, public service, and political survival in the months ahead.

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on sources cited in the article.