Malacañang has accused Vice President Sara Duterte of fueling political instability after Duterte publicly expressed her “readiness” to assume the presidency should President Marcos resign amid allegations of budget insertions and drug use.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after the Vice President said there was “no question” about her readiness to lead the country should Marcos step down.

In her press briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Castro cited such statements undermine confidence in the administration.

“This is definitely a form of political destabilization,” she said.

“Pinapahina niya ang public confidence ng tao sa administasyon (She intends to weaken the public’s confidence in the administration). And those words contribute to the climate of uncertainty and crisis,” she added.

The Palace Press Officer furthered that Duterte’s remarks were unacceptable.

“Handa siyang pumalit sa Pangulo kapag nagbitiw? Ang tanong din natin sa taong bayan, handa na po ba kayo sa mas marami pang Mary Grace Piatos (She’s ready to replace the President should he resign? Is the public also ready for more Mary Grace Piatos)?,” Castro said, referring to a name linked to Duterte’s supposed misuse of confidential funds.

“It is not acceptable for a Vice President to anticipate the resignation of the President,” she added.

Castro said Duterte’s comments reveal intentions to push a scenario where the President is removed.

“Kung handa siya, makikita po natin — nag-a-anticipate siya na mawawala ang Pangulo (If she is ready, what we see is that she anticipates the President will be gone),” she said.

“‘Yan po ang balak nila. ‘Yan po ang nasa isip nila. At ‘yan po ang ginagawa nila ngayon (That is their plan. That is what they are thinking. And that is what they are doing now),” she added.

Castro also rejected narratives questioning President Marcos’ fitness to lead amid public discussions about resignation calls, succession plans, and even reports of a “transition council” or ‘civilian-military junta.”

“Tinatanong pa po ba ‘yan (Should that still be asked)? Of course,” Castro said when asked if the President remains in control.

“Nakikita natin ang trabaho ng Pangulo. Araw-araw, hindi humihinto sa pagtatrabaho (We can see the President. He works everyday non-stop),” she added.

Castro noted that the President does not even go on vacations.

“Hindi nga po nakakapagbakasyon. At hindi nakakapunta sa beach para mag-swimming (He can’t even go on vacation or go to the beach to swim),” she said.