A public spat erupted on Tuesday between Vice President Sara Duterte and Malacañang over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s handling of the Middle East conflict and rising fuel prices.

Duterte earlier criticized the administration for being unprepared, saying warnings of a potential crisis had been raised as early as 2022. She accused the government of failing to act swiftly to protect Filipinos affected by oil price hikes.

“Marami siyang kakulangan bilang Presidente. Hindi lamang sa pagbibigay ng simpatya at empathy sa ating mga kababayan. More than that ay ‘yung problema at iskandalo sa paggamit ng pera ng bayan (He has many shortcomings as President—not just in showing sympathy and empathy to our fellow citizens. More than that, there are problems and scandals in the use of the people’s money),” Duterte said.

The Palace fired back through Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, who said the government has already rolled out measures, including fuel subsidies for public transport and the agriculture sector.

“Patungkol sa maraming kakulangan ang Pangulo. Unang-una, mas maganda po sana na gamitin muna ang mata at tenga bago ang bibig dahil kapag inuna natin ang bibig at hindi ginagamit ang mata, tenga at utak, magkakamali kayo ng sagot (Regarding the many shortcomings of the President, first of all, it would be better to use your eyes and ears before your mouth, because if you speak first without using your eyes, ears, and mind, you will give the wrong answer),” Castro said in a press briefing in Cebu.

Castro stressed that the President had also addressed the nation Monday evening, highlighting government programs aimed at mitigating the impact of the Middle East situation on citizens.

“Marami na po tayong nabanggit kung anong mga programa ng Pangulo. Kahapon lamang po ay nagbigay siya ng kaniyang mensahe para sa ating mga kababayan especially patungkol dito sa nangyayari sa Middle East (We have already mentioned many of the President’s programs. Just yesterday, he delivered a message to our fellow citizens, especially regarding what is happening in the Middle East),” she said.