Malacañang on Tuesday rebuked Senator Imee Marcos, who expressed regret to her late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., over her inability to “watch over” her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro challenged the senator’s statement, suggesting it raised questions about whom she was referring to.
“Mas maganda po siguro mahimay natin ang mga bawat salita ni Senator Imee Marcos… para malaman din ng taumbayan ano nga ba ang totoo,” Castro said.
(It might be better if we unpack each word uttered by Senator Imee Marcos, so the public can also find out what is true.)
The senator had said: “Hindi ko nabantayan eh kaya, dad, sinubukan ko talaga. Pinagpilitan ko. Nayayamot na nga sa akin si Bongbong, alam ko naman, pero hindi ko talaga kinaya.”
(I failed to keep an eye on him, Dad—I really tried. I really tried, forced myself to. Even Bongbong was already getting annoyed with me, I know, but I just couldn’t take it anymore.)
Castro defended the President’s behavior and character, drawing a contrast with the implication of the senator’s remarks.
“Unang-una po, ang Pangulo, hindi po ito nagmumura, hindi ito nag-mi-meltdown lalo na sa publiko at hindi po ito nagbabanta sa buhay ninuman,” she said.
(First of all, Mr. President doesn’t swear, doesn’t have a meltdown—especially in public—and he isn’t threatening anyone’s life.)
“Ang Pangulo po ay ikinasal, may pamilya hanggang ngayon ay faithful sa asawa (The President has been married, has a family, and has remained faithful to his spouse to this day),” Castro added.
She said the senator’s remark actually raises a different question — whether criticisms of the President should be considered public attacks.
“Ang paghingi ng patawad, iyong bang hindi pagbabantay sa kanyang kapatid o ang paninira ng kapatid sa publiko? (Asking for forgiveness – is it for not looking after her sibling or for publicly slandering her sibling?),” Castro said.
Asked whether the President had been consulted about his sister’s latest remarks, Castro said he is aware of developments but would not engage in public criticism.
“Alam po ng Pangulo ang nangyayari sa atin at sa mga pangyayari sa ating paligid. At asahan po natin na ang Pangulo, hindi po siya naninira ng kanyang kapatid,” she said.
(The President knows what’s happening and what’s going on around us. And we can expect that the President will not slander his sibling.)
