Malacañang stated that public servants ought to be evaluated based on their performance and presence during relief efforts rather than the clothing they choose to wear, following recent public backlash over officials wearing high-end apparel in disaster zones.
Addressing the issue during a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued no specific message regarding the matter, emphasizing instead that genuine governance relies on tangible assistance.
“Ang pagse-serbisyo po ay hindi po nakikita sa damit. Nakikita po ito sa gawa, nakikita po ito kung visible ba iyong mga leaders at nandidiyan sila para tumulong,” Castro said.
“Maybe, ang sasabihin ng iba: bakit designer clothes pa ang suot. But sabi nga natin, hindi po nakikita ang pagtulong, ang serbisyong totoo sa damit ng isang lider,” she added.
Castro elaborated that modest attire or appearing physically immersed in harsh weather does not automatically translate into meaningful relief work, pointing out that some individuals dressed in basic clothing or standing in the rain “may not actually be helping anyone.”
“So mas maganda po na tingnan ang lider sa trabaho, sa gawa, hindi po sa damit,” she said.
While maintaining that she could not speak directly for local figures who opt for luxury apparel, Castro noted that public officials should understand their duties and maintain appropriate conduct with their constituents.
However, she emphasized that leaders must remain mindful of the emotional state of affected residents during times of crisis.
“Hindi natin alam kung ang pagsusuot ng branded na iyan ay mura na sa kanila. So, depende, depende sa kanila, baka iyan ay—kung sa atin na ordinaryong tao ay napakamahal, baka sa kanila ay mura lang iyan. dahil, iyan ang kanilang nakagawian,” Castro noted.
“But still, siguro kailangan din maging sensitive kasi lalong-lalo na, kung iyong mga kababayan natin ay nakakaramdam ng hirap, trauma at kalungkutan,” she added.
The Palace’s statements follow public criticism directed at Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda and her son, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, who drew online flak for wearing luxury apparel while conducting flood assessment visits in their province.