PRESIDENTIAL Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday issued a strong rebuke against Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp, asserting that no public official should claim the moral high ground while leaving corruption allegations unanswered.
Castro emphasized that Filipinos “deserve better” in their pursuit of a clean government, urging Duterte’s team to address controversies linked to her tenure at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and previously, the Department of Education (DepEd).
“Huwag magmalinis ang hindi malinis. Huwag magpakabayani ang hindi bayani,” Castro stated during a Malacañang press briefing, directly challenging Duterte’s recent accusations against the Marcos administration. Castro’s remarks come after Duterte again accused the Marcos administration of political persecution, questioned budget transparency, and revived her criticisms over the disputed P125-million confidential funds. Duterte has also criticized the administration over stalled education reforms and ongoing investigations, with her allies accusing the Palace of retaliation and selective scrutiny.
Castro specifically called on Duterte’s camp to clarify unresolved questions surrounding the use of confidential funds, as well as the release of funds for alleged “ghost students” and “ghost food packs” during her time at the OVP and DepEd. “It’s true Filipinos deserve better — which is why earlier issues involving the Vice President, such as alleged corruption in confidential funds, DepEd ghost students, and DepEd ghost food packs, should be explained if they truly believe in transparency and accountability,” she said.
In defending President Marcos against claims of complicity in fund anomalies involving the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), Castro highlighted that it was Marcos who initiated investigations into irregularities that were not pursued under the Duterte administration, including alleged anomalies dating back to 2020.
“Si Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang nanguna sa pagpapaimbestiga ng mga anomalya na hindi ginawa noong nakaraang administrasyon kahit naparaming ghost projects noon pang 2020,” Castro emphasized. She concluded by urging voters to choose leaders who uphold accountability, reiterating that Filipinos “really deserve better.”
