MANILA, Philippines?Vice-President Noli De Castro lashed back Friday at Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez for insinuating that the country would be worse off if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo resigned and the vice president took over.

Saurez, in a talk on Thursday, said the Philippines would be in a dire situation if De Castro became president at this time of economic difficulties.

?Assuming she would have to resign?I?m not belittling the capacity of Vice President De Castro [to take up the reins of government]?we?re now facing a recession, bank run, collapse of financial giants. I think Vice President De Castro would have a problem in confronting these issues,? Suarez said.

De Castro, in a statement, said he has a constitutional duty to perform if the President steps down. "Recession or not, that duty remains,? he said.

He lashed back at people who look down on his capabilities, saying they should worry about their performance instead of scrutinizing him.

?Rather than cast doubt on constitutional succession, those who question my capability should perhaps look at the mirror first to see what they have done for their constituents,? De Castro said.

He pointed out that he has been a public servant since he joined the media and became a senator and then vice-president in 2004.

Calls for Arroyo?s resignation have been made anew after she filed a certificate of candidacy for Congress last Tuesday.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos said Arroyo should step down as she has an undue advantage over her opponents to represent the second district of Pampanga in the House of Representatives.