Malacañang on Tuesday brushed aside claims that the Philippines is under a “de facto martial law,” calling the allegation baseless and stressing that legal accountability should not be mistaken for political persecution.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to remarks by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, who alleged that critics of the Marcos administration were being intimidated or selectively prosecuted.
“Not all wrong opinions deserve a response from the Palace,” Castro said, refusing to dignify what she described as unfounded rhetoric.
Asked about the possible impact of such claims, Castro said journalists themselves were best positioned to judge whether freedoms were being curtailed, noting that media practitioners continue to exercise their profession freely.
She also rejected assertions that individuals exposing corruption are being targeted, pointing out that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has tolerated harsh criticisms without resorting to legal action.
“May mga kritiko makikita naman po natin panay-panay ang pag-akusa, pagbibigay ng mga masasakit na salita na walang katotohanan sa Pangulo pero ang Pangulo mismo ay hindi po nagsasampa ng kaso,” she said.
Castro emphasized that the rule of law applies equally to all, with investigations and prosecutions carried out based on evidence rather than political affiliation.