Palace defends PBBM's drug destruction attendance vs. VP Sara's 'photo op' claim

Malacañang, through Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, refuted Vice President Sara Duterte's claim that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s attendance at the destruction of illegal drugs was a mere "photo op."

Castro presented a photo of former President Rodrigo Duterte witnessing the burning of illegal drugs in 2020, drawing a parallel to the current president's participation.

The Vice President had criticized Marcos' leading the destruction of over P9.48 billion worth of illegal drugs at a waste management complex in Capas, Tarlac on Wednesday.

Castro emphasized that President Marcos Jr.'s participation was not for a photo opportunity but served as a warning to individuals involved in the illegal drug trade and to show the public their leader's commitment to curbing illegal drugs.

She stated the president "worked, gave orders, and oversaw the destruction of the illegal drugs" and "does not go on vacation."

The Palace also pointed out that former President Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte's father, similarly witnessed the destruction of seized drugs during his administration, showing a printout of a 2020 report of the elder Duterte at the incineration of over P7 billion worth of substances in Cavite.

Castro added that it is better for the President to personally witness the destruction of illegal drugs rather than do nothing, referencing a past drug controversy.