President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made it clear: he respects the people’s right to speak out.
This assurance came as several groups hit the streets this week to protest alleged corruption in the government’s flood control projects. At a Saturday press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the President acknowledges and values public outrage.
“First of all, the President will always respect this freedom of expression. Whatever our people are feeling and expressing now, the President respects that,” Castro said.
She added, however, that Malacañang hopes no one will exploit these sentiments to destabilize the government. “The President supports the grievances of the people, especially since this is a fight against corruption,” Castro emphasized.
To address the issue, Marcos has ordered an independent panel to investigate flood control and other infrastructure projects nationwide. Through Executive Order 94, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was created to review projects over the last ten years and recommend charges against those found guilty of wrongdoing.
The commission is composed of respected figures: former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson, SGV & Co. partner Rossana Fajardo, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who will serve as special adviser and investigator.
For now, the message from Malacañang is clear—protests will be respected, voices will be heard, and corruption will not be ignored.
