Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro hit back at Vice President Sara Duterte, saying that by not remaining in the country during times of calamity, she has fallen short of demonstrating professionalism.

In a video statement on Friday, Aug. 7, Castro responded to Duterte's remarks, urging her to uphold "professionalism" when speaking on behalf of the Office of the President.

The Palace official asserted that "true professionalism is demonstrated through actions, not just words."

"Ang isang leader na professional ay nananatili sa bansa upang mamuno, lalong-lalo na sa oras ng kalamidad (A professional leader remains in the country to lead, especially during times of disaster)," Castro said.

She further pointed out that a professional leader should also uphold accountability.

"Sumusunod sa batas at hindi gumagamit ng dahas. At humaharap sa mga akusasyon gamit ang malinaw na ebidensya, sa halip na pag-iwas o paninira sa administrasyon (A professional leader follows the law and does not resort to violence. They face allegations with clear evidence instead of evading accountability or attacking the administration)," Castro said.

The Palace spokesperson also said that "a professional leader contributes to the country's progress rather than becoming a cause of the government's decline."

Castro stressed that based on these standards, the Vice President fell short in demonstrating such professionalism.

"Kung susuriin ang mga pamantayang ito, malaki ang kakulangan ng bise presidente sa pagpapakita ng tunay na profesionalismo at pananagutan sa publiko (If we look at these standards, the Vice President falls significantly short in demonstrating genuine professionalism and accountability to the public)," Castro said.

The Palace mouthpiece also defended her role in the Marcos administration, saying she was simply carrying out her mandate by responding to questions and accusations against the President, and helping to debunk misinformation.

"Sumasagot lamang tayo sa walang basehang akusasyon sa Pangulo at sa administrasyon na may bitbit na ebidensya (We respond only to baseless accusations against the President and the administration by presenting evidence)," she said.

Castro accused Duterte of resorting to personal attacks if she is unable to address issues that are being raised, which Castro stressed, is not professional.

"Kapag hindi niya nasasagot ang aking mga nasasabi, magsisimula na siyang mamersonal at manira ng walang basehan. Hindi iyan professional (When the Vice President is unable to address the points I raise, she begins making personal attacks and spreading unfounded accusations. That is not professional)." Castro said.

After Castro dismissed Duterte's earlier remarks as "baseless" and "nonsense," particularly her allegation that the Marcos administration had aided the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Vice President said the Palace spokesperson should maintain professional standards, stressing that someone speaking on behalf of the President must be careful with her statements.