Castro defends self, says Padilla is 'thin-skinned,' not her

MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Monday asserted that it is Sen. Robin Padilla, not her, who is “balat-sibuyas,” or thin-skinned, after the lawmaker told her not to be sensitive following an alleged incident in which Filipinos in Canada harassed her.

Padilla, in a social media post on July 4, said government officials must not be “balat-sibuyas” and they should accept all criticism and insults because they chose to serve in the government.

According to Castro, she agrees with Padilla’s point about being open to criticism but noted that cursing and wishing for someone’s death is unacceptable.

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“Now, will we talk about being thin-skinned? First of all, it would probably be better if he himself, Sen. Robin Padilla, could say this about himself, because we are not thin-skinned—we are not reacting the way others do who, when their voice is only raised because of his interruption or cutting into another senator’s speech, suddenly take offense and even become somewhat agitated. That, in fact, is what true thin-skinned behavior is,” Castro said in Filipino at a press briefing.

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She was referring to an incident in which Padilla threatened to file a complaint before the Senate committee on ethics against Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan for allegedly “shouting” at him during a plenary session.

READ: Padilla eyes ethics complaint vs Pangilinan over plenary shouting

“Will he tolerate this from his fellow Filipinos, or perhaps from his allies, or does his narrative align with that of his allies? Words like “I hope you die” or the use of profanity such as “PI,” not just once but repeatedly—will he tolerate that?” she said.

Castro also sought clarification from Padilla regarding his remarks that the nation had supposedly already been placed on the brink of uncertainty.

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“What does he mean by saying that the nation has been “placed on the brink of uncertainty”? We cannot accept such a very general statement. We hope he can explain what hhe specifically means by this,” she said.

“He should have explained this. I am willing to respond to him, but he cannot make such accusations without evidence.”

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In videos circulating online, Castro was seen walking with Presidential Communications Office Director Robertzon Ramirez in Vancouver, Canada, when protesters with a megaphone began shouting and heckling her in Filipino.

They were part of the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s delegation during his four-day official visit to Canada.

READ: Castro says Filipino protesters ‘harassed’ Palace team in Vancouver

The protesters were chanting “BBM [Bongbong Marcos] resign” and the words “maleta (luggage)” and “magnanakaw (thief).” They were seen trailing Castro and Ramirez, who then approached police officers.

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When asked whether the protesters would be deported to Manila, Castro deferred the question to the Department of Foreign Affairs./coa