MANILA – Malacañang pushed back against renewed calls for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to step down, accusing his critics of ignoring alleged abuses of the past while now targeting the current administration.
Presidential Communications Office’s Press Officer Claire Castro said the calls, including public protests and motorcades, reflect what she described as selective outrage, as the President continues to address long-standing problems in government, particularly corruption.
“Huwag magpaka-hipokrito. Kailangan natin ang mga taong totoong lumalaban sa korapsyon,” Castro said in a text message.
Her remarks came in response to claims by former Anakalusugan party-list congressman Mike Defensor, who alleged that Marcos is the “mastermind behind the corruption” tied to questionable flood control projects.
Defensor recently led a caravan along EDSA calling for the President’s resignation and announced similar activities in other parts of the country.
He also raised concerns over the handling of an impeachment complaint by opposition groups and urged the President to be transparent about his health.
Castro rejected the accusations and said the opposition had remained quiet when previous administrations were facing controversies.
“Pinapaalam namin ang tunay na kalagayan ng Pangulo; huwag silang bulag o bingi. Huwag din silang manatiling source ng fake news,” she said.
She further questioned the credibility of critics who, she said, failed to speak out in the past.
“‘Yung tahimik sa lantarang korapsyon sa nakaraang administrasyon, nasaan sila noon? Naging enabler ba sa pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan noon? Naging kasabwat din ba?” Castro asked.
Castro also dismissed what she called a “drama” campaign against the administration and challenged accusers to present concrete proof.
“Ang mga dapat malaman ng bayan ay dapat nang ipahayag nang walang takot. Hindi puro sa media lang. Huwag daanin sa drama, insinuations, at puro bintang na ‘walang ebidensya’ ang pagbibintang sa administrasyon,” she said.
The Palace statement followed claims by Batangas 1st District’s Cong. Leandro Leviste that he was asked by individuals linked to the administration to travel abroad and stop releasing documents related to alleged flood control irregularities./PN
