Photo credit: Inday Sara Duterte

Vice President Sara Duterte stirred political buzz on Tuesday after declaring she is fully prepared to assume the presidency should President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. resign or be unable to serve.

Duterte pointed to the Constitution, saying it’s clear about the vice president’s mandate in the line of succession. “Tumakbo ako bilang vice president, ipinresenta ko sa inyo ‘yung sarili ko at alam ko na first in line ako sa succession,” she said.

She doubled down on her readiness, stressing that stepping up—if necessary—is part of the role she ran for. "There is no question about my readiness. I presented myself to you when I was a candidate for vice president with the understanding that I am the first in line in succession," Duterte added.

But the Palace quickly pushed back.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro criticized Duterte’s remarks, saying they send the wrong signal and could destabilize the government. “It is not acceptable for a vice president to anticipate the resignation of the president… this is definitely a form of political destabilization,” Castro said.

Castro went even further, suggesting the VP’s statement hints at an expectation—or even intention—of replacing the President. "Kung handa siya, makikita po natin nag-anticipate siya na mawawala ang Pangulo. 'Yan po ang balak nila, 'yan po ang nasa isip nila at 'yan po ang ginagawa nila ngayon," she told reporters.

The exchange adds to the rising political tension between the Marcos and Duterte camps, raising questions about succession, loyalty, and the stability of the current administration.