Malacañang slammed Vice President Sara Duterte’s criticism of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presence at a drug incineration event, reminding her that her own father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, had also personally witnessed a similar activity during his administration.
“Perhaps the Vice President has also forgotten that her father also witnessed the incineration of P7.51 billion dangerous drugs in Cavite. This, perhaps, she has forgotten,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
The remark came in response to Duterte’s comment that President Marcos should focus less on “photo ops” at events involving seized illegal drugs and more on ensuring meaningful improvements in the lives of Filipinos.
She questioned the value of Mr. Marcos’ appearance at the recent destruction of narcotics in Capas, Tarlac.
Castro defended the President’s decision to personally oversee the activity, stressing that it was not for publicity, but a deliberate move to show commitment to the anti-drug campaign and inspire confidence among Filipinos.
“The President woke up early, went to Tarlac, gave orders, and witnessed the destruction of illegal drugs,” Castro said. “That is work, not a vacation. It serves as a warning to criminals and as inspiration to the people.”
She added that, unlike in past controversies involving vanished narcotics, the Marcos administration aims to demonstrate transparency and accountability.
“It’s better that the President witnesses the destruction himself, rather than do nothing when tons of illegal drugs disappeared from magnetic lifters back in 2018,” Castro said.
The incineration event in Tarlac is part of the Marcos administration’s continuing efforts to combat illegal drugs through law enforcement and public engagement.
