MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday clarified that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is focused on governance and managing the fallout from the Middle East crisis, rather than building a personal legacy.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, speaking in a radio interview, stressed that the President is concentrating on key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and education, while continuing anti-corruption initiatives.
“Ang Pangulo po ay nagtatrabaho at hindi nakatutok sa legasiya (The President is working and is not focused on his legacy),” Castro said, noting that reforms are meant to outlast Marcos’ term in office.
Castro’s remarks came in response to criticisms from Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte, who suggested the President prioritizes his personal image over addressing rising costs caused by global oil supply disruptions. Castro dismissed these claims, pointing out ongoing government measures to secure fuel, provide subsidies, and coordinate agencies under a unified “whole-of-government” approach.
“Hindi po tulad ng dati na sinasabing walang magagawa. Ngayon po, kumikilos ang gobyerno para maibsan ang epekto sa taumbayan (Unlike before, when leaders admitted they could do nothing, the government is now taking action to ease the impact on the public),” she added, contrasting the current administration with former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Castro emphasized Marcos’ commitment to boosting agricultural output, widening healthcare access, and improving education, while steering clear of violence and extrajudicial actions.
“Ang nais ng Pangulo, walang patayan, walang extrajudicial killings (The President wants no killings, no extrajudicial killings),” she concluded.
ia/xf
