Sara Duterte, Claire Castro clash over 'professionalism'

Vice President Sara Duterte and Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro once again exchanged heated words, this time over demonstrating professionalism as high-ranking government officials.

In a video message on Friday, Castro claimed that it is Duterte who lacks professionalism and public accountability.

"Ang tunay na professional ay nakikita sa gawa at hindi sa salita lamang. Ang isang lider na professional ay nananatili sa bansa upang mamuno lalung-lalo na sa oras ng kalamidad, 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, tumutulong sa pag-unlad at hindi nagiging dahilan ng pagbagsak ng pamahalaan," Castro said.

(A true professional is defined by one's actions, not merely by words. A professional leader stays in the country to lead, especially during times of calamity; obeys the law without resorting to violence; addresses accusations with clear evidence rather than evading them or criticizing the administration; and contributes to the progress of the nation instead of causing disorder in the government.)

"Kung susuriin ang mga pamantayang ito, malaki ang kakulangan ng Bise Presidente sa pagpapakita ng tunay na propesyonalismo at pananagutan sa publiko," she added.

(Based on these standards, the Vice President falls short in demonstrating true professionalism and public accountability.)

Castro was reacting to Duterte's remarks in an interview on Thursday, wherein the Palace official was urged by the Vice President to demonstrate professionalism when delivering public statements.

This came after Castro slammed the Vice President for saying that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and vice versa, amid the detention of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, for charges of crimes against humanity.

According to Castro, Sara Duterte's claims are "useless, baseless, and nonsense."

In response, the Vice President said, "Si Claire Castro is a spokesperson of the President and the Office of the President, or hindi ko alam kung kaninong spokesperson siya pero by the fact na spokesperson ka at mayroong seal ng Office of the President diyan, dapat maging professional ka sa mga sinasabi mo."

(Claire Castro is a spokesperson for the President, the Office of the President, or I'm not sure exactly whose spokesperson she is—but the fact remains that if you are a spokesperson and the seal of the Office of the President is displayed there, you must be professional in what you say.)

"She doesn't have the liberty na tulad sa atin na puwedeng magsalita ng kahit anong iniisip natin at kahit anong opinion natin kasi nagsasalita tayo para sa sarili natin. Pero kapag may seal sa likod mo, sa harap mo, kung ano 'yung professionalism na hinihingi galing doon sa opisina na 'yun, 'yun dapat ipakita at ibigay mo sa taong bayan," she continued.

(She doesn't have the same liberty as we do—to speak our minds or express any opinion we have—because we speak for ourselves. But when that seal is behind or in front of you, you must demonstrate and deliver the level of professionalism required by that office to the public.)

However, Castro said she was merely doing her job as a spokesperson for Malacañang.

"Ako, bilang Palace Press Officer, ay tumutugon sa aking mandato—ipamahagi at ipaalam ang mga proyekto at programa ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon at sugpuin ang mga maling impormasyon. Sumasagot lamang tayo sa walang basehang akusasyon sa Pangulo at sa administrasyon na may bitbit na ebidensya," Castro said.

(As the Palace Press Officer, I am fulfilling my mandate—to disseminate information about the projects and programs of the President and the administration, and to counter disinformation. I respond to baseless accusations against the President and the administration by presenting evidence.)

"Kapag hindi niya (VP Sara Duterte) nasasagot ang aking mga nasasabi, magsisimula na siyang mamersonal at manira nang walang basehan. Hindi iyan professional," she added.

(When the Vice President cannot refute my statements, she resorts to personal attacks and baseless accusations. That's not professional.) — VDV, GMA News