MANILA, Philippines —Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon on Wednesday castigated Senator Imee Marcos over her remarks that the administration of her younger brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was ‘bangag’ or insensitive to the plight of Filipino people.
Gadon, reacting through a video sent to The Manila Times, blasted the senator whom he described as the real ‘bangag’ because of her usual negative mindset as she could only see the lapses of the government but ignore its accomplishments particularly those that directly affect the people’s interest.
"Clearly, you are the one who is delusional, foolish, and unreasonable—unable to see the administration's accomplishments because you are consumed by anger over the substantial losses you incurred when the President removed some officials at the Bureau of Customs who were close to you,” Gadon said of the senator.
“Moreover, you got mad when you lost big perks given by the Chinese through the dismantled POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) operations,” he added.
The anti-poverty presidential adviser said the estranged eldest sister of the Chief Executive was obviously not reading reports on business situations which indicate that investment sentiment has turned positive by 15 percent.
“Prior to the Marcos administration, it stood at -15 percent; now it is at +15 percent—a net gain of 30 percent,” Gadon said.
Furthermore, the Palace official said that major players such as Hyundai, Samsung, and Mitsubishi have come in, and once the factories in Clark in Pampanga are fully operational, “even more employment opportunities will open up for the people.”
“More significantly, still under the Marcos administration, the employment rate has risen to 96.2 percent—the highest recorded in two decades," Gadon pointed out.
He noted, however, that it dipped to 95 percent but due to the flood control issue—which the President himself exposed and ordered investigated.
“It is glaringly obvious that these mass gatherings (in apparent reference to the Iglesia ni Cristo rally which was attended by her) are nothing more than a transparent ploy to rescue the corrupt from accountability,” Gadon said.
As for the poor, the President's programs have been exemplary, particularly in agriculture, Gadon said.
“Numerous solar-powered farms and irrigation dams have already been constructed. Insofar as social protection is concerned, a great many beneficiaries have graduated from the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), having lifted themselves out of poverty,” the official said.
“Health benefits have been expanded, and a zero-billing policy for hospital care is now in place. Moreover, our peace-and-order situation remains remarkably stable; the only forces disturbing it are these senseless rallies that serve absolutely no constructive purpose,” he emphasized.
During Tuesday’s rally at the EDSA People Power Monument, the senator even questioned the President's scheduled working visit to Canada instead of staying to focus on problems besetting the country.
She then urged Filipinos to become more concerned on national issues, saying they should no longer remain silent amid what she described as government abuses and a lack of accountability.
The lady senator even claimed that authorities have ignored evidence and testimonies involving unresolved issues.
She likewise criticized the government's flood control efforts as she called for equal application of the law, saying justice should not favor political allies or opponents.
