Malacañang pushed back against Vice President Sara Duterte's criticism of the government's handling of rising oil prices tied to Middle East tensions. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro questioned why Duterte did not alert authorities if she foresaw the oil crisis as early as 2022. Castro emphasized that as vice president, Duterte had a duty to inform officials to allow public preparation.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro challenged Vice President Sara Duterte's assertion that the administration should have prepared for a potential global oil crisis as early as 2022 amid tensions in Iran. Duterte had criticized the government for failing to anticipate the impact of rising oil prices linked to Middle East conflicts. Castro noted that 2022 fell under the presidency of Duterte's father, Rodrigo Duterte.
"If she knew as early as 2022 and did not even mention it directly to our fellow citizens, who is the one who did not work? Who did nothing?" Castro asked. She added, "Isn't it her obligation as vice president to inform our authorities so that at least our fellow citizens could prepare?"
Castro further suggested that withholding such information could constitute a breach of public trust. "If she did not say it, definitely this is a breach of public trust," she stated. The Palace's response highlights ongoing friction between the administration and the vice president's office on economic and security matters.
This exchange occurs against the backdrop of oil price hikes affecting the Philippine economy due to Middle East tensions. No additional details on next steps were provided in the sources.