Palace Press Officer Claire Castro called delusional the claim by Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp that she is ready to replace President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if he steps down.

“Why are they immediately calling for the President’s resignation? This is normal and natural for the vice president’s allies and followers. But if she could take over from President Marcos Jr. right now, are they serious?” Castro said during a Palace briefing Thursday.

She said the Palace was not taking the statements seriously.

“I have said this already: It is absolutely delusional,” Castro said.

Duterte called for Marcos’ resignation during a rally with supporters last week.

Castro also reacted to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent public appearance during a status conference at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, saying he appeared well and ready to face his case.

“First of all, our fellow Filipinos saw that former President Duterte appears to be in good condition. We also saw that he seems to have accepted that the ICC hearings will continue,” she said.

Arrested and flown to The Hague in March 2025, Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity over alleged killings during his presidency and his time as Davao City mayor.