Palace reminds Sara: Work means work

Responding to recent statements made by Vice President Sara Duterte, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro reiterated that there are only two kinds of trips undertaken by government officials: work or vacation.

"It's simple: Vacation or work? She was the one who mentioned work, working not on a holiday. So, when working — with the position, with the Philippine flag — there are official functions," she said.

Duterte argued that when the travel fees were paid out of her pocket, it became a personal trip. Castro, on the other hand, pointed out that if an official engaged with the Filipino community and met with other officials, it is considered a working trip.

"According to RA 6713, public office is a public trust. So, they should report what are the good results coming from your work. If you cannot report anything, it means you did not work," Castro said.

Castro emphasized that while President Marcos also travels extensively, his trips are work-related. She cited examples of what she described as "good diplomacy" under his administration.

"The President is focused on work. Whenever he leaves the country, he brings good news, has good relationships with various leaders. One of these is saving the life of Mary Jane Veloso because of good relations with Indonesia; the repatriation of former lawmaker Arnulfo Teves; including the quick repatriation of Alice Guo; and in Japan, boosting Philippine tourism—that is the kind of work one should be proud of if one has really worked,” she said.

Previously, Castro accused Duterte of diverting attention from her own impeachment case by criticizing the Marcos administration.

“If you are a government employee and a public servant, you are obliged to show and answer all issues that you are involved in,” she said in a press briefing last week.

Malacañang has called on the Vice President to report progress from her overseas trip, especially as she earlier claimed it was an “official function.”