Manila: Malaca±ang said Thursday Vice President Sara Duterte's silence could constitute a breach of trust if she had prior information about a possible Middle East crisis but failed to immediately share it with the government.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that Duterte should have informed the Marcos administration if she had knowledge of a potential conflict as early as 2022. Castro questioned why Duterte did not communicate this information directly to the Filipino people, suggesting a failure in her duties. "So, kung siya'y may alam (if she knew about that) as early as 2022 at hindi man lang niya ito binanggit diretso sa ating mga kababayan, sino ang hindi nagtrabaho? Sino ang walang ginawa (and did not mention it to the Filipino people, then who failed to work? Who did nothing)?" Castro remarked.
The press officer described the situation as a breach of public trust, identifying it as nonfeasance, which refers to government workers who neglect their responsibilities. Castro's comments followed Duterte's claim that the government was unprepared for escalating tensions in the Middle East, despite longstanding awareness of potential conflict.
Castro underscored that government officials, including the Vice President, are obliged to share critical information with both the public and the government, especially when it concerns national security. She expressed disappointment that Duterte did not inform President Marcos, despite their partnership during the 2022 national elections.
Furthermore, Castro called for Vice President Duterte to clarify when and where she obtained such information. "Kung alam niya na po ito, malamang ay mayroon siyang sariling bolang kristal. At dapat ipinaalam niya kung ito ay verified info, nanggaling sa kaniya - dapat ipinaalam niya ito agad sa bansa, ipinaalam niya ito agad sa Pangulo at sa awtoridad (If she already knew about this, perhaps she had her own crystal ball. And she should have informed the country, the President, and the authorities if the information is verified)," she concluded.
