Malacañang on Monday defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against criticism questioning his administration’s handling of national issues, particularly its response to the ongoing energy crisis.
The statement came after the Makabayan bloc accused the President of acting merely as an “announcer” of fuel rollbacks, limited subsidies, and small-scale interventions instead of implementing more substantial relief measures for the public.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro rejected the criticism, saying the administration has been actively working on measures to address the impact of rising fuel prices.
“Ang mahirap po kasi sa atin ngayon, puro tayo pintas, pero tayo puna, pero parang walang nagagawang solusyon kung hindi ang Pangulo lamang, ang administrasyon na ito ang siyang nag-iisip kung ano ang puwedeng gawin. Well, of course mayroon tayong ibang mambabatas na nagbibigay ng suhestiyon at iyan naman po ay tinatanggap ng Pangulo,” Castro said during a press briefing.
She also dismissed claims that the government has done little to mitigate the effects of the Middle East crisis on domestic fuel prices.
“Pero para sabihin na walang ginagawa para maibsan ang nararamdaman natin dito sa krisis sa Middle East, ito po ay napakalaking kasinungalingan,” she added.
Castro further questioned what she described as inconsistent criticism of the President, noting that he is often criticized both for being too visible and for not being visible enough.
“Kapag hindi nakikita, uulitin ko po ulit, kapag hindi nakikita ang Pangulo, hinahanap sasabihing may sakit, naospital kung anu-ano. Ngayong nagpapakita at nagbibigay ng ulat sa bayan, pipintasan pa rin ninyo. Saan ninyo gusto lumugar ang isang Pangulo na katulad ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.?” she said.
She emphasized that the President remains focused on governance despite continued criticism, saying he will continue to prioritize public service.
“Hindi naapektuhan ang Pangulo sa anumang kritisismo na walang basehan. Ang Pangulo po ay patuloy na magtatrabaho para sa taumbayan, hindi para doon lamang sa mga pumupuna ng walang basehan,” Castro concluded.