MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s personal appearance at a government cash aid distribution, insisting it did not violate restrictions under the 2026 national budget amid criticism over possible political self-promotion.
The Palace issued the clarification following questions raised about the President’s attendance at a payout event in Manila, where provisions under the General Appropriations Act discourage the use of government assistance programs for political gain.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro maintained that Marcos’ presence was appropriate, stressing that the activity was a government-led initiative under his administration.
“That is the event of the President, so he should at least show the people that the government is running, that it is properly managed for the country and for the people,” she said.
On March 17, Marcos attended the distribution of P5,000 financial assistance to public utility vehicle drivers affected by rising fuel costs. The activity was held in Sta. Mesa, Manila, and was attended by several national officials.
Castro said the President’s presence was meant to reinforce public confidence in the government’s response to economic challenges.
“Dapat makita siya, dapat nakikita ang Pangulo, dahil ang pagpapakita ng Pangulo ay pagpapakita ng tiwala sa mga kababayan natin na kung anumang krisis mayroon tayo ay maari natin itong malampasan,” she added.
The General Appropriations Act of 2026, or Republic Act No. 12314, sets guidelines on the distribution of financial assistance, limiting implementation to authorized personnel and accredited partners while prohibiting political patronage.
Despite this, local chief executives also attended the event, including Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora.
The Palace said their presence was consistent with their official roles.
“Iyon po kasi ay isang event na kung saan ay pinuntahan po ng Pangulo at kinakailangan po nandodoon po ang host. Sa Manila po ginanap kaya nararapat lamang po na si Mayor Isko Moreno ang sumalubong at tumanggap sa ating Pangulo,” Castro said.
She added that Zamora’s attendance was justified by his role as president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, citing the involvement of local governments in identifying beneficiaries.
“Regarding Mayor Francis Zamora, he is the National President of the League of Cities, representing all city mayors. Since this is a project of the President for tricycle drivers, and the LGUs know who the beneficiaries are, it was appropriate for Mayor Zamora to attend,” she said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has reiterated its directive prohibiting the display of politicians’ names, images, or symbols on publicly funded projects and materials under the “Anti-Epal” policy./PN
