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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace to VP Sara: Don't pretend to be clean or a hero

Palace to VP Sara: Don't pretend to be clean or a hero

Filipinos deserve better, so choose the right leader

Published Nov 17, 2025 03:56 pm
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and Vice President Sara Duterte
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and Vice President Sara Duterte
Malacañang said Vice President Sara Duterte should not pretend to be clean or be a hero when she, herself, is facing corruption allegations.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday, Nov. 17, hit back at Duterte for criticizing President Marcos' handling of the massive infrastructure corruption.
Castro said Duterte should first explain the corruption allegations against her, including the alleged misuse of confidential funds during her time as the secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
"Huwag magmalinis ang hindi malinis.  Huwag magpakabayani ang hindi bayani (Do not pretend to be clean. Do not pretend to be a hero when you're not)," Castro said in a statement when sought to react to the Vice President's recent remarks.
The Palace official believes that Filipinos indeed deserve better, echoing Duterte's statement. Thus, the Vice President must also explain the allegations against her if she truly advocates transparency and accountability.
"Totoong Filipinos deserve better kaya yung mga naunang issue sa Bise Presidente tungkol sa  diumanong corruption sa  confidential funds, DepEd ghost students, DepEd ghost food packs na nangyari sa pamumuno niya ay dapat na unahing maipaliwanag kung naniniwala sila sa transparency at accountability (It is true that Filipinos deserve better, which is why the earlier issues involving the Vice President — the alleged corruption in confidential funds, DepEd ghost students, and DepEd ghost food packs that happened under her leadership — must first be clearly explained if they truly believe in transparency and accountability)," Castro said.
Castro has reiterated that Marcos was the one who initiated the investigation into anomalies that were not addressed under the previous administration, citing that many ghost projects date back to 2020.
"Si Pangulong Marcos, Jr.  ang nanguna sa  pagpapaimbestiga ng mga anomalya na hindi ginawa noong nakaraang administrasyon kahit naparaming ghost projects noon pang 2020 (President Marcos Jr. led the investigation into anomalies that were not addressed under the previous administration, even though there were many ghost projects dating back to 2020)," she said.
Castro further said that Filipinos truly deserve better, so they must choose the right leader.
"Again, Filipinos really deserve better kaya mamili ng tamang leader na iluluklok (Again, Filipinos really deserve better, so choose the right leader to elect)," Castro stated.
In a video message on Monday, Duterte said "the President now faces a profound crisis of confidence, especially in the way these corruption investigations are being handled, which appear to lack both direction and resolve."
She said that she is one with Filipinos "who are frustrated and disgusted by a government drowning in insecurity and greed."
READ MORE: Marcos facing 'profound crisis of confidence' from Filipinos—VP Sara

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President Marcos Sara Duterte Claire Castro corruption allegations
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