Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro has questioned former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno’s motives following her remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., suggesting the criticism may be tied to her upcoming Senate run.
During a YouTube livestream on Saturday, October 31, Castro stated that while public criticism of the administration is acceptable, public figures should avoid utilizing incomplete information to gain political attention.
“Okay lang naman na ikaw maging kritiko pero kung gagamitin mo pala ito para umangat dahil meron ka palang balak at gusto mong magpakitang-gilas o magpakita na ikaw magaling at the expense of the President, huwag naman,” Castro said.
She cautioned aspiring candidates against resorting to personal attacks and misleading narratives.
“Lalo na kung gagamit ka ng fake news or kulang ang ibinibigay mong news o katotohanan para umangat ka. Hindi po ‘yun dapat. Kasi kung may mga ambisyon ang tao, wala namang problemang mag-ambisyon kung magaling ka naman. Pero ’wag mo namang gamitin ‘yung galing mo sa paninira,” she added.
Although Castro initially withheld names, she later referenced Magno’s social media commentary criticizing President Marcos’ suggestion for citizens to collect rainwater in buckets to prepare for El Niño.
Castro defended the administration’s response, emphasizing that the President’s statement was only a single component of a comprehensive mitigation strategy covering agriculture, public health, energy, and food security.
“Bakit ‘yung ibang gagawin ng Pangulo, hindi mo sinabi? Anong purpose?” Castro asked.
Magno publicly declared her candidacy for senator in the 2028 elections on October 15.