As the country’s political atmosphere was shook by the recent flood control corruption case and the allegations thrown against the President himself.
During the Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro assured the public and investors that the Philippine economy remains stable as the country grapples with the ongoing corruption issue.
“Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., nanatiling matatag ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas na may matibay na pundasyon at bukas na pagkakataon para sa mga mamumuhunan,” said Castro.
Citing a message from former Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary, who is now the new Executive Secretary, Ralph Recto, Usec. Castro said that President Marcos will not be swayed from exacting accountability from all those involved in corrupt practices.
“Hindi matitinag si Pangulong Marcos sa pag-usig sa sinumang nasa likod ng mga tiwaling gawain – kamag-anak man, kaalyado, o kahit na ang sariling kadugo.”
She then emphasized that actions are being taken to swiftly hold people involved in the issue to account, as directed by the Marcos himself.
Meanwhile, the administration has also come up with a comprehensive catch-up plan based on national priorities, to accelerate economic growth.
The Palace official continued, “Unti-unti ring ibababa ng pamahalaan ang deficit at utang habang lumilikha ng mas maraming trabaho, tumataas ang kita ng mga Pilipino, at mas marami pang aangat ang buhay.”
PBBM REMAINS FOCUSED IN DOING HIS DUTIES – COMMUNICATIONS CHIEF
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Sec. Dave Gomez also noted in a TV interview that PBBM remains focused on his duties as head of the state in the midst of the flood control scandal, cabinet resignations, and the controversial remarks made by her sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, recently.
He said that “baseless claims” will not distract the Chief Executive from doing his work.
“Patuloy ang trabaho ng Pangulo natin. As we speak, the President is in Bicol right now checking on the relief operations sa mga nasalanta natin kababayan sa nung huling bagyo. So, nagtatrabaho ang Pangulo natin as we speak,” said Gomez.
He continued, “Governance does not stop. At napakalaki ‘yung hamon sa atin. Napakalaki ng responsibilidad ng ating Pangulo. And he will not stop. He will not dignify any and all of these wild allegations that are swirling around at the moment.”
ON THE ALLEGATIONS
Following the recent statement made by Sen. Imee Marcos, where she alleged the fitst family of using illegal drugs, Gomez said the allegations against the President were “very laughable.”
“And if I may quote the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, sinabi na rin ng ating mga obispo na currently we have a pandemic of lies. Nakakalungkot man pero napakaraming kasinungalingan na ang lumilipad left and right,” he said.
The PCO chief then called on the public to be discerning. “Siguro sa ating mga mamamayan, maging mapanuri tayo sa mga impormasyon na natatanggap natin at sinishare natin. Dahil napakadali, parang napakadali na ngayong magsinungaling sa mga panahon na ito.”
Gomez said the allegation made by the President’s sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, was neither new nor credible, emphasizing that similar accusations had already surfaced and been disproven during the 2022 presidential campaign period.
“Nagpa-drug test ang Pangulo sa isang reputable na ospital sa St. Luke’s at ang resulta ng drug test na yun, negative sa cocaine use… So lumang tugtugin na,” the PCO chief noted.
Gomez furthered, “Nakakalungkot nga na nanggaling pa ito sa sarili mong kapatid. Napaka-pambihira ito sa kultura nating mga Pilipino.“
Lastly, he said that the President will not “dignify” the issue.
“Kaya hindi na nga idi-dignify ng Pangulo ito. Hindi papatulan ng Pangulo natin ito,” said the PCO secretary.