Palace press officer alarmed over VP Sara's remark on not knowing how to use computer

LAPU-LAPU CITY–Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on Friday described as “alarming” Vice President Sara Duterte's statement that she did not know how to use a computer.

Castro said this during an ambush interview on the sidelines of the 8th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, when asked how Duterte—who had earlier announced her plan to run for president—could lead the country if she did not know how to use basic technology.

“Siya ang magpapatunay niyan. Inamin niya mismo na siya ay hindi marunong gumamit ng computer at ginagamit lamang niya ito kapag nagzo-Zoom. So most probably may taga-pindot pa siya nito,” the Palace Press Officer said.

(She herself proved it. She admitted that she doesn't know how to use a computer and only uses it to access Zoom. So most probably, she still has someone to do the clicking on her laptop.)

"'Yun ang nakakaalarma dahil nais niyang maging pangulo. Pero paano siya magkakaroon ng tamang pagpapasiya, ni paggamit ng computer ay hindi niya alam,” Castro said.

(That's what's alarming because she wants to be President. But how can she make the right decisions if she doesn't even know how to use a computer?)

The Vice President made the revelation when she denied reports that she threw a laptop at a member of her defense team, lawyer Michael Poa.

She said she didn't even know how to use a laptop or a computer, and admitted that she only relies on her colleagues when it comes to digital documents.

Castro said that without knowing how to use a computer, the Vice President probably does not know how to research what is happening at present.

“Paano mamamahala ang isang kagaya ng Bise Presidente na magpupukpok lang ng tao nang hindi niya na-rereview ang ginagawa ng mga taong inuutusan niya,” Castro said.

(How can someone like the Vice President lead if she just tells people what to do without reviewing what they have done?)

In 2023, when Duterte was still secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), she admitted that she only relied on other officials' expertise as she had no background in the education sector.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/878503/deped-launches-revised-k-10-curriculum/story/

“Ang magawa ko lang (what I only do) is I do very well, admittedly, is magpukpok talaga ng tao (is to motivate people) to do what they’re supposed to do,” Duterte said during the launch of the revised Kindergarten to Grade 10 (K-10) curriculum of basic education.

Back then, Duterte said she was one of the few ASEAN Education ministers who did not have sufficient credentials. –NB, GMA News