Topacio questions new VP Sara spox

PDP-Laban spokesperson Atty. Ferdinand Topacio on Friday questioned Vice President Sara Duterte’s decision to appoint lawyer Ruth Castelo as her new spokesperson.

The appointment was described by Topacio as potentially detrimental given the looming impeachment trial against the country’s second-highest official.

Topacio, in a statement issued 11 July, said that while he remains a supporter of Duterte, Castelo’s appointment “may not be the best… under the present circumstances,” citing the Vice President’s own warning of a coming political “bloodbath.”

He raised several issues concerning Castelo’s professional track record, including a 2007 incident where she was “publicly scolded” by Sandiganbayan justices for appearing in court unprepared. He also accused Castelo of forum shopping in a legal case involving actress Claudine Barretto and cited a Pasay court’s issuance of an injunction against the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during Castelo’s time as undersecretary, in connection with alleged preferential treatment of a local glass manufacturer.

Topacio also alluded to unspecified matters from Castelo’s personal life that he claimed could be exploited by Duterte’s political enemies: “Some segments of her private life — which I cannot reveal for reasons of delicacy… may prove to be a liability in the future.”

Castelo's past role as lawyer to controversial gaming operator Atong Ang was also questioned by Topacio, saying that while this may not be illegal, “it may not play out well in terms of optics,” especially now that she appears to be performing official duties as an employee of the Office of the Vice President.

Topacio said, “At the risk of sounding like an officious meddler… I respectfully but strongly urge her to reconsider.”