Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, April 15, criticized the administration’s handling of the ongoing price crisis in the Philippines, linking it to rising inflation and alleging that the lack of relief for Filipinos stems not from limited resources but from the misuse of public funds for political maneuvering.

The remarks come as Filipino households continue to face elevated prices for basic goods, prompting intensified debate over the government's response and economic management.

In a statement, Duterte claimed that government resources are being diverted to avoid accountability over what she described as “the most corrupt budget in our country’s history.”

“The failure of the administration to provide relief in this price crisis is not due to a lack of resources, but because public funds are being used for political maneuvering,” the Vice President said.

Duterte issued the statement following the hearing on her impeachment case before the Committee on Justice, which she called a “mini-trial.”

She also alleged that the hearing was “true to form for some of its members: abuse and corruption appear to be the only things they are capable of.”

“Let us remember that the first impeachment case itself was marred by allegations of bribery involving members of the HOR, and this second impeachment is no better,” she added.

Malacañang, through Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro, pushed back strongly against Duterte’s remarks, questioning her awareness of ongoing government interventions.

Castro said the administration has been actively discussing and implementing measures to assist Filipinos, citing a recent UPLIFT committee meeting and an extended press briefing.

“Ito ang mahirap sa hindi nag-aaral, nagbabasa, hindi inaalam kung ano ba ang katotohanan (This is the difficulty with those who do not study, do not read, and do not seek to know what the truth really is),” Castro said, quoting author Gore Vidal, who stated: “The brain that doesn’t feed itself eats itself.”

Castro emphasized that officials spent nearly two hours outlining existing and potential government assistance programs, even foregoing lunch to complete the briefing.

“Sa oras na iyon, wala man lang ba siyang nalaman, nakita, at narinig kung anu-ano na ang mga programa ng Pangulo? (At that time, did she not even learn, see, or hear about the various programs of the President?),” she added.

Castro described Duterte’s statements as disappointing for a public servant, suggesting that the Vice President may not be fully informed about the administration’s initiatives.

“Nakakalungkot para sa isang public servant na lumalabas na walang alam (It is disheartening when a public servant appears uninformed),” Castro said.

She also urged Duterte not to deflect issues of accountability and transparency, pointing out that the Vice President herself is facing controversies.

“Huwag niya pong ipahid ang mga isyu ng accountability and transparency dahil may sarili po siyang isyu ngayon na dapat niyang kaharapin (She should not deflect the issues of accountability and transparency, because she herself has matters that she must face right now),” Castro added.