Palace Press Officer Responds to VP Sara's Statement

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro criticized Vice President Sara Duterte after the latter said she could not comment on the Pax Silica initiative because she was unfamiliar with the matter.

Speaking in an interview on The Newsmaker, Castro said public officials, particularly those seeking the nation's highest office, should stay informed about important national issues.

She stated:

"Kung wala siyang alam sa Pax Silica issue, hindi natin kawalan 'yan. Kawalan niya 'yan."

"Hindi Puwede na Wala Kang Alam"

Castro emphasized that aspiring national leaders are expected to understand key government policies and major national concerns.

According to her:

"Hindi puwede na wala kang alam sa nangyayari sa gobyerno."

Her remarks came after Vice President Duterte declined to give her opinion on the U.S.-backed Pax Silica initiative, saying she was not in a position to comment because she had not studied the issue.

VP Sara Chose Not to Speculate

During an earlier interview, Vice President Duterte refrained from discussing the initiative, explaining that she preferred not to make statements about a subject she had not yet reviewed.

Rather than offering speculation, she indicated that she lacked sufficient information to provide an informed opinion.

The exchange has since become another point of political discussion between administration officials and the Vice President.

Political Exchanges Continue

The comments highlight the continuing exchange of criticisms between the Marcos administration and Vice President Duterte as national issues increasingly become subjects of public debate.

Supporters of Castro argue that national leaders should remain fully informed on important government initiatives.

Supporters of Duterte, meanwhile, contend that declining to comment on a matter one has not yet studied may be more responsible than offering uninformed opinions.

Final Thoughts

The differing reactions to the Pax Silica issue reflect broader discussions about leadership, transparency, and accountability.

Whether public officials choose to comment immediately or wait until they have gathered more information, the exchange underscores the public's expectation that national leaders remain informed about issues affecting the country.

Bible Reflection

"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." — Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)

Leadership requires both knowledge and humility. Seeking accurate information before making important statements can strengthen public trust, while staying informed is an essential responsibility of those who serve the public.

SWS Survey Shows Diverging Trust Paths: Marcos at –3%, VP Sara Duterte at +31%

BBM Watch

December 26, 2025•1 min read

The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey reveals a clear divergence in public trust among the country’s top leaders, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. registering a –3% net trust rating, while Vice President Sara Duterte climbed to a solid +31%.

According to the November 24–30, 2025 survey, President Marcos recorded 38% “much trust” against 41% “little trust,” pushing his net trust into negative territory. This marks a continued decline from his +7% rating in October 2025, signaling growing public dissatisfaction.

In contrast, Vice President Duterte posted 56% “much trust” versus 26% “little trust,” resulting in a +31% net trust score—a notable increase amid political turbulence and sustained scrutiny.

Analysts note that trust ratings often reflect perceived steadiness under pressure rather than day-to-day headlines. While the President faces backlash linked to governance controversies and unresolved national issues, the Vice President’s numbers suggest that a segment of the public views her as consistent, restrained, and grounded, even amid legal and political noise.

Importantly, SWS net trust ratings measure sentiment, not election outcomes. Still, the contrast highlights a shift in public mood—one that rewards composure and penalizes uncertainty.

🦅 Agila note:
Trust does not rise from speeches alone. It grows quietly where people see steadiness, not spin.

Bible Verse:
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” — Proverbs 22:1