Manila, March 26 -- Malacanang on Wednesday clapped back at Vice President Sara Duterte for claiming that the Philippines seems to be heading "to the dumpster," questioning her commitment to her duties as the second-highest leader of the land due to her prolonged "absenteeism."

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro turned the tables on Duterte, saying that the country could indeed be heading in the wrong direction if absentee leaders like her were in charge of the country.

"Hindi ba mas mapupunta tayo sa dumpster kung ang magiging pangulo natin o magiging leader natin ay mga katulad nila VP Sara, na mas inuuna pang magpunta sa abroad (Wouldn't we be more likely to e...