Palace slams Sara Duterte’s ‘dumpster’ remark, questions her absence

Vice President of Philippines Sara Duterte (C) arrives to address people gathering outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, on March 14, 2025. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — The Palace on Wednesday called out Vice President Sara Duterte for claiming that the country is turning into a “dumpster” despite being overseas and allegedly neglecting her duties as the country’s second highest official.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement after Duterte said on Tuesday that the country is heading toward a dumpster and that Filipinos see no hope in the current government.

READ: Public servants must be apolitical, keep off Duterte issues – Palace

“Aren’t we headed for the dumpster if our president or leader is someone like [Vice President] Sara, who prioritizes going abroad to serve just one person?” Castro said during a Palace press conference.

“Although he’s her father, many Filipinos still rely on her as vice president,” she added.

Castro then accused Duterte of simply not knowing what the government does, including programs being implemented, as she refuses to actually acknowledge them.

“She will truly be blinded if she doesn’t understand the work of the administration under President Marcos’ leadership,” said Castro.

READ: Current Senate can oust VP Duterte in just 43 days – Colmenares

Castro then reminded Duterte of her obligations as vice president, criticizing her for being out of the country since her father was taken in custody by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

“Our president, whom she says has no hope, works in the Philippines every day, announcing good news — but where is the vice president?” said Castro.

Duterte previously said that she will only go back to the country once all her father’s defense lawyers have been appointed by the ICC.

The ICC currently has custody of former President Duterte after his arrest and transfer to The Hague for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s bloody war on drugs, which left at least 6,000 people dead. Human rights groups report the actual death toll to be at least 20,000.

Since the elderly Duterte was taken to the ICC on March 11, Sara followed shortly after and has since been residing in The Hague to assist her father.