MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday denounced Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s public declaration that she is ready to assume the presidency, calling the remark “unacceptable” and a direct attempt to sow political instability at a time when President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. faces heightened scrutiny.
In a Palace briefing, Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro warned that Duterte-Carpio’s statement undermines confidence in the administration and fuels an atmosphere of uncertainty.
“Ang tanong din natin sa taong bayan ay handa na po ba kayo sa mas marami pang Mary Grace Piattos?” Castro said in response to the Vice President’s remark. “It is not acceptable for a vice president to anticipate the resignation of the president.”
“This is definitely a form of political destabilization. Pinapahina niya ang public confidence ng tao sa administrasyon, and those words contribute to the climate of uncertainty and crises,” Castro added.
Duterte-Carpio earlier told reporters on Tuesday that she is prepared to take over the presidency if circumstances require it.
“There is no question about my readiness. I presented myself to you when I was a candidate for Vice President with the understanding that I am the first in line in succession,” she said.
Her comments came as calls for Marcos’ resignation intensified following his alleged involvement in the controversial flood control projects and after his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, publicly accused him of being a drug addict./PN
