Malacañang on Saturday lashed out at critics seeking the resignation of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., accusing them of hypocrisy for ignoring alleged wrongdoings of the previous administration while now calling for his ouster.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said some opposition figures have chosen to disregard the President’s efforts to address corruption and other national issues.
“Huwag magpaka-hipokrito. Kailangan natin ang mga taong totoong lumalaban sa korapsyon,” Castro said in a text message.
Castro was reacting to former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor’s claim that Marcos is the “mastermind behind the corruption,” citing alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Defensor recently led a motorcade along EDSA calling for the President’s resignation and announced plans for similar anti-corruption activities nationwide.
He also questioned the administration’s transparency, including the President’s health condition.
The Palace official countered that the opposition remained silent during controversies under the past administration.
“Pinapaalam namin ang tunay na kalagayan ng Pangulo; huwag silang bulag o bingi. Huwag din silang manatiling source ng fake news,” she said.
Castro also challenged critics to present concrete proof to support their accusations.
“‘Yung tahimik sa lantarang korapsyon sa nakaraang administrasyon, nasaan sila noon? Naging enabler ba sa pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan noon? Naging kasabwat din ba?” she asked.
She dismissed what she described as opposition “drama,” stressing that allegations remain baseless without evidence.
“Ang mga dapat malaman ng bayan ay dapat nang ipahayag nang walang takot. Hindi puro sa media lang. Huwag daanin sa drama, insinuations, at puro bintang na ‘walang ebidensya’ ang pagbibintang sa administrasyon,” Castro said.
The statement followed claims by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste that alleged representatives of the Marcos administration had urged him to go abroad and stop releasing supposed evidence related to flood control irregularities.