The Philippine government has chosen not to pursue legal action against the demonstrators who confronted Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent trip to Canada.
Confirming the decision on Tuesday, Castro emphasized that the administration remains dedicated to protecting freedom of expression despite the aggression she faced.
“Wala kaming finile na complaint,” Castro stated during an interview.
Admitting she was startled by the hostile behavior, Castro initially planned to overlook the incident and only realized its full impact after video coverage began trending online.
“Noong una, binalewala na lang namin. Sabi namin, siguro parte iyan. Kasi hindi ko naman alam na magba-viral siya,” she explained.
While acknowledging the right to public dissent, the Undersecretary condemned the demonstration’s vitriolic nature, warning that personal abuse and death threats cross the line of acceptable protest, tarnish the country’s global image, and misrepresent Filipino culture.
“Hindi lang namin inaasahan na magiging gano’n kawalang-galang ang mga Pilipino na nandoon sa ibang bansa. Sabi nga natin puwede naman sila magsalita pero huwag lang ‘yung ipapanalangin na mamatay ang isang tao at mumurahin ka na mga ilang beses,” she said.
Castro also questioned the genuine intent behind the hostile demonstration, suggesting that external forces could be driving the behavior.
“Hindi kasi ganun yung ugali ng ‘yung totoong Pilipino na alam natin. Hindi tayo ganun eh. So, hindi namin alam kung may kumukumpas sa kanila, may nagbabayad sa kanila.”
Despite online photos exposing the demonstrators, Castro stated she has no desire to track them down. Furthermore, she clarified that she remains unaware of any independent diplomatic or legal fallout the individuals might encounter abroad.
“So, ‘yung update doon, kung kakasuhan o ipapa-deport, wala talaga akong information about that. At wala naman ako ina-update. Hindi ako nagpapa-update. So, wala naman,” Castro concluded.