Malacañang on Sunday came to the defense of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after a video showing him singing during the post-birthday celebration of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos drew public backlash amid heavy monsoon rains and widespread flooding in parts of Luzon.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that the Chief Executive had already prioritized visiting disaster-stricken areas before taking a brief pause to celebrate with family.
“Huwag nating kalimutan na inuna ng Pangulo na mabisita at ma-inspect ang Pampanga at Bulacan upang maisaayos ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan at maipaabot tulong sa mga apektado,” Castro said, referring to Marcos’ on-the-ground inspections early last week.
Addressing accusations of insensitivity, Castro emphasized that spending a few hours in private with family and close friends should not be interpreted as neglect of presidential duties.
“Ang kaunting oras sa isang gabi na makasama ni Pangulo ang asawa, pamilya, at ibang malalapit para sa isang pagpapasalamat sa buhay na biyaya ng Diyos sa kanyang asawa ay hindi nangangahulugan na iniwan ng Pangulo ang kanyang obligasyon sa bayan,” she noted.
Castro also debunked claims that the event was held during the peak of the recent severe weather, clarifying that the gathering did not take place on Friday or Saturday when rainfall and flooding were at their worst.
She assured the public that the President remained in the country, closely monitoring the situation driven by the southwest monsoon and ensuring that national agencies were actively dispensing disaster relief and support to displaced communities.
“Sa ganitong kondisyon ay mas pinipili ng Pangulo na manatili sa bansa para sa patuloy na pag-mo-monitor,” Castro added.
The Palace official’s statement comes as political opponents, including former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, shared the video online to criticize the administration’s response to the crisis.
Castro’s remark highlighting the President’s decision to remain grounded in the country comes amid public scrutiny of key political figures, including Vice President Sara Duterte, who has made several overseas trips in recent months and Roque, who is currently abroad following his alleged links to qualified human trafficking investigations involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).