Malacañang labeled the statement of Vice President Sara Duterte as "alarming" as it attempts to clear the names of individuals linked to corruption.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Vice President is making it appear that they are all merely victims of political persecution.

"Nakakaalarma ang mensahe ng Bise Presidente dahil nililinis na niya ang mga sangkot sa korapsyon. Dahil ba sa kaalyado niya ang mga ito? Pinapalabas niya na mga biktima lamang silang lahat ng political persecution (The Vice President’s message is alarming because she is already clearing those involved in corruption. Is it because they are her allies? She is making it appear that they are all merely victims of political persecution)," Castro said on Tuesday night, June 2.

Castro stressed that the accused individuals are being charged for their alleged involvement in corruption, and not due to political alignment.

"Ang kinakasuhan ay ang mga di umanong sangkot sa anomalya o korapsyon. Dumadaan ito sa pag iimbestiga, sa pagrespeto sa due process at ang mga naaakusahan rito ay dininig at binigyan ng pagkakataon na sumagot (Those being charged are those allegedly involved in anomalies or corruption. This goes through investigation, with respect for due process, and those accused are heard and given the opportunity to respond)," Castro said.

In a video message, Duterte said democracy is under threat as government institutions are allegedly being used against critics and opposition figures amid ongoing impeachment proceedings and escalating political tensions.

"A democracy cannot survive when those in power see every critic as an enemy and every opposing voice as a threat," she said.

The Palace official hit back at the Vice President, saying "they have no other defense but to attack the administration."

"Wala silang ibang depensa kundi manira sa administrasyon, ngunit tahimik sa merito ng mga akusasyon. Maging mapanuri. Huwag na tayong magpaloko (They have no other defense but to attack the administration, while remaining silent on the merits of the accusations. Be critical. Let’s not be deceived anymore)," Castro said.

Castro further said that Filipinos are looking for those who should be held accountable, thus, whether allies or not, they will be investigated.

"Naghahanap ang mga kababayan natin ng mga dapat na managot na tinatawag nilang mga BIG FISH. Kaalyado man o hindi, kung nasasangkot dapat na maimbestigahan, yan ang nagaganap sa ngayon (Our fellow Filipinos are looking for those who should be held accountable, whom they call the ‘BIG fish.' Whether allies or not, if they are involved, they should be investigated, and that is what is happening now)," she said.