Palace hits VP Sara over 'irresponsible' response on Marcos health

Malacañang on Friday hit Vice President Sara Duterte for her response when she was asked about President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.’s health, noting that it was irresponsible.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the question asked to the Vice President was also irresponsible. 

''Doon pa lang sa word na lumalalang kalusugan, alam natin na walang basehan pero itinanong pa rin sa kanya kaya ang ang nakuha rin natin sa Bise Presidente ay isang iresponsableng sagot... 'Good luck,' with the smile at lahat ng nasa paligid niya ay nagtatawanan,'' Castro said.

(We know that there's no basis, especially with the question that was asked. Therefore, we received an irresponsible answer from the Vice President. She said 'good luck' with a smile and those surrounding her laughed.) 

''Bilang isang Pilipino, hindi natin gawi ang mangutya, pagtawanan ang sinumang may sakit lalung-lalu na kung ito ay ginagawa lamang. Ginagawang sakit para masira ang Pangulo,'' she added.

(As a Filipino, we are not accustomed to mocking someone, especially if about one's health.) 

Duterte on Thursday responded with a brief “good luck” message to the President when asked about circulating online discussions on his health. The Vice President did not elaborate further on her statement.

“Good luck sa kaniya (Good luck to him),” she said.

Earlier, Marcos assured the public that he is in good health condition, urging them not to believe with what they are seeing on social media. 

“I am back to my regular routine for the last three months. Patuloy ang aking ginagawa—watching my health, making sure that I am always ready to work,” the President said. 

The President’s statement came amid online speculation about his health, which Malacañang officials have since addressed. — RSJ, GMA News