Malacañang on Monday defended the surrender of phones and gadgets during the signing of the ₱6.793-trillion 2026 national budget, saying the rule applied to all guests and made the ceremony smoother, not less transparent.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified the policy was not directed solely at media workers.
“Hindi lamang taga media kundi lahat ng guests ay hiniling na i-surrender nila ang kanilang mga cellphones habang pinapasinayaan paglagda niu Pangulong (Bongbong) Marcos Jr. ang GAA of 2026,” she said.
Castro explained that the absence of phones kept attendees focused.
“Mas naging maayos ang nasabing programa dahil ang lahat ng naimbitahan ay focus sa isinagawang paglagda ng Pangulo,” she added.
She dismissed transparency concerns, noting the event was broadcast live.
“Huwag natin kalimutan na ang nasabing event ay naka live stream at napanuod ng lahat ng sabay sabay kaya wala naman po magiging isyu tungkol sa transparency nito,” Castro said.
Reporters, she added, were still able to perform their duties afterward.
“Sumunod niyan ay nagkaroon naman ng press briefing at ang lahat ng katanungan ng media ay sinagot naman,” she said.
The Palace’s response came after the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines flagged the gadget surrender as problematic, stressing that mobile devices are vital tools for reporters covering what government has described as its most transparent budget yet.