MANILA, Nov. 26 -- Malacanang on Wednesday rejected Vice President Sara Duterte's statement that she is prepared to assume the presidency should President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. resign, calling the remark "unacceptable" and a potential source of political instability.

"It is not acceptable for a Vice President to anticipate the resignation of the President," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a media briefing.

Castro said such statements undermine public confidence in the administration at a time when political groups are being accused of discussing succession scenarios, transition councils and questioning the President's fitness to lead.

"This is definitely a form of political destabilization. Pinapahina niya ang public confi...