Malacañang responded to Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statement accusing the administration of deceiving the public through the rollout of P20-per-kilo rice ahead of the elections, urging leaders not to foster crab mentality or act as “termites of society.”
This came after Vice President Duterte, in an ambush interview with the press, stated that she was unsure of the real agenda behind the rollout of P20-per-kilo rice and accused the administration of deceiving the people.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro called on public officials to embody unity and patriotism by supporting one another, especially the President.
She warned against fostering crab mentality and urged leaders not to become destructive forces or “termites” within society.
"Sana po sa mga leader, ang tunay na leader at tunay na Pilipino ay dapat sumusuporta sa kapwa Pilipino, lalong-lalo na sa Pangulo ng bansa. Huwag sanang pairalin ang crab mentality at huwag maging anay sa lipunan," said Castro.
Castro emphasized the long-standing skepticism over the President's commitment to lowering the rice price to ₱20 per kilo.
She also questioned why critics have resumed their negative commentary, now that the President's goal is beginning to materialize.
Meanwhile, Castro reiterated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s intention has always been to make rice affordable for Filipinos.
The Palace official noted that while this aspiration dates back some time, the administration is now making concerted efforts to fulfill it.
"Magkaisa tayo para matupad ng Pangulo at ng pamahalaan ang mga aspirasyon para sa taumbayan," she added.
