MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang urged detractors of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and critics of his administration to reflect this Holy Week instead of politicking.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro Castro said fear mongering, spreading of misinformation and disinformation, and trolling the government will not do good for the country especially amid all the problems it is facing, particularly the effects of war in the Middle East.
Marcos, she said, is focused on working for the Filipinos and finding ways to address the crisis.
“For now, let's avoid politicking. If they have nothing good to say and just slander, they should stop for now or stop permanently and just cooperate with the administration for the upliftment of our country and the upliftment of every Filipino,” Castro said in Filipino in a radio interview.
“The president is busy working,” she added.
Among those very vocal in criticizing Marcos is Congressman Paolo Duterte who said the chief executive is more concerned about optics and building his legacy rather than tackling pressing issues such as rising prices of fuel and commodities.
“We know what's happening now. The president doesn't like the conflict happening in the Middle East. So, what is he saying about focusing only on the legacy? The president is not just focusing on the legacy. The president is working,” Castro said.
The official further stated that, unlike the past leadership, Marcos has led mitigating measures to cushion the impact of global oil price volatility triggered by hostilities in the Middle East. This includes looking for alternative sources of fuel supply, financial assistance and subsidies for various sectors, and involving all agencies for a whole-of-government approach to solve the problems.
