MALACAÑANG on Monday said the public apology issued by political operator Franco Mabanta underscores the importance of refraining from making allegations without evidence.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the statement after Mabanta publicly apologized for past criticisms hurled against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos by Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), an online news outlet he founded.
“Apologizing is admitting a mistake. The lesson here: don't create intrigue, especially if there is no basis,” Castro said in Filipino in a press briefing.
“Making unnecessary noise only makes unsuspecting Filipinos victims. And baseless slander only makes our countrymen look foolish,” she added.
In a lengthy video posted by PGMN last June 25, Mabanta apologized to the first couple for “any feelings that have been hurt now and in the past”.
Castro reiterated that any claim against anyone must be backed up by facts.
“If you are going to do any investigation, make sure you have evidence,” she said.
In the same video, Mabanta continued to blast former House Speaker Martin Romualdez for purported orchestrating political turmoil within the government and betraying many of his allies including the chief executive.
Romualdez was also tagged as the mastermind behind the Marcos’ rift with Vice President Sara Duterte which eventually led to the destruction of the UniTeam alliance.
Meanwhile, asked about the current relationship between Marcos and Romualdez, who are cousins, Castro stated that she hasn’t seen the lawmaker near the president or in the premises of the Palace since the flood control scandal broke out last year.
“As of now, none. I cannot say what their relationship is,” she said.I'm
