MANILA— The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) responded Monday to Vice President Sara Duterte’s criticism of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration over the Philippines’ P16 trillion debt.
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro pointed out that the largest increase in national debt occurred during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, with the debt rising from P12.79 trillion in June 2022 to P16 trillion now, including amounts borrowed before Marcos’s presidency.
Castro also highlighted contradictions in Sara Duterte’s statements, noting that while she criticized the economy, she acknowledged positive developments in a speech in Australia. Castro said this shows improvements in the economy.
Addressing Duterte’s regret over partnering with Marcos in the 2022 elections, Castro stated that such regret is the vice president’s loss, not Marcos’s.