Vice President Sara Duterte stated that Filipinos 'deserve better,' but this does not make her a superior alternative. She expressed solidarity with Filipinos 'frustrated and disgusted by a government drowning in insecurity and greed.' However, Press Secretary Claire Castro countered that Duterte is in no position to criticize the administration, especially after accusing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of facing a 'profound crisis of confidence.' Castro emphasized that Duterte must first explain the controversies surrounding her office, including probes into confidential funds, 'ghost students,' and 'ghost food packs' during her tenure as education secretary. She also noted that it was Marcos who ordered investigations into long-standing anomalies, including 'ghost projects' dating back to 2020. Castro reiterated her remark: 'Do not pretend to be clean if you are not.'
