Sara Duterte, Claire Castro clash over 'professionalism' among officials

Vice President Sara Duterte and Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro have once again exchanged heated words, this time over demonstrating professionalism as high-ranking government officials. In a video message on Friday, Castro claimed that it is Duterte who lacks professionalism and public accountability. "A true professional is defined by one's actions, not merely by words. 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; and contributes to the progress of the nation instead of causing disorder in the government," Castro said. "Based on these standards, the Vice President falls short in demonstrating true professionalism and public accountability," she added. Castro was reacting to Duterte's remarks in an interview on Thursday, wherein the Palace official was urged by the Vice President to demonstrate professionalism when delivering public statements. This came after Castro slammed the Vice President for saying that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and vice versa, amid the detention of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, for charges of crimes against humanity. According to Castro, Sara Duterte's claims are "useless, baseless, and nonsense." In response, the Vice President said, "Claire Castro is a spokesperson for the President, the Office of the President, or I'm not sure exactly whose spokesperson she is—but the fact remains that if you are a spokesperson and the seal of the Office of the President is displayed there, you must be professional in what you say." "She doesn't have the same liberty as we do—to speak our minds or express any opinion we have—because we speak for ourselves. But when that seal is behind or in front of you, you must demonstrate and deliver the level of professionalism required by that office to the public," she continued. However, Castro said she was merely doing her job as a spokesperson for Malacañang. "As the Palace Press Officer, I am fulfilling my mandate—to disseminate information about the projects and programs of the President and the administration, and to counter disinformation. I respond to baseless accusations against the President and the administration by presenting evidence." "When the Vice President cannot refute my statements, she resorts to personal attacks and baseless accusations. That's not professional," she added. — VDV, GMA News