Instead of getting involved in political squabbles, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed all government officials, particularly those under the executive branch, to concentrate on public service, Malacañang said Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the President is focused solely on fulfilling his mandate to serve the Filipino people and expects the same from all public servants.

“Ang Pangulong Marcos Jr., alam po niya ang direksiyon niya. Alam po niya ang dapat na gawing trabaho at iyan po ang pinag-uutos sa lahat ng public servants, lalong-lalo na po sa ilalim ng executive department. Ang utos sa amin ay magtrabaho, iwasan ang pamumulitika (President Marcos Jr. knows his direction. He knows what work should be done and that is his order to all public servants, especially those under the executive department. Our marching order is to work and avoid politicking),” Castro said.

She added that the President does not waste time on distractions and is committed to delivering results. “Work is the only thing on his mind,” she said.

Castro’s statement comes in response to Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent criticism of the administration. Duterte had called on Marcos to “stop politicking” and instead focus on governance.

Castro questioned Duterte’s own commitment to public service, pointing out that the Vice President has been critical of key programs such as the P20-per-kilo rice initiative under the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program.

Castro said Duterte “should take a hard look in the mirror and reflect on whether she’s truly working, merely politicking, or just taking a vacation.”

“Sa ngayon po ba ay nasaan si VP Sara or si Bise Presidente noong iyan ay sinabi niya? Nasaan po ba siya ngayon? The Hague, okay, at ang ating pagkakaalam hanggang kailan po siya doon? Hanggang July 23. So, iyon lamang po. Tandaan po natin, ang Pangulo po aksiyon, aksiyon – hindi bakasyon,” she said.

When asked to comment on Vice President Duterte’s statement that her father wishes to be cremated if he dies while in the Netherlands, Castro said the matter is personal.

“Family matters po iyan at pampamilyang usapin so sa kanila pong desisyon iyan (That is a family issue for the Dutertes to decide),” she said.