MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the public can show their anger over massive corruption in connection with anomalous infrastructure projects but they should keep protest actions peaceful.
Marcos, in a press conference in Malacañang, said he understands where the outrage is stemming from given recent revelations of the involvement of lawmakers and other government officials in questionable flood mitigation projects.
“It is my interest that we find a solution to what has become a very egregious problem. And since this has all been exposed, well, it’s actually known to many people, but it has now been exposed to the general public, do you blame them for going out into the streets? If I wasn’t President, I might be out in the streets with them,” he said.
“Of course they are enraged. Of course they are angry. I am angry. We should all be angry. Because what’s happening is not right,” he added.
The President however reminded the public to remain rational and hold their protests “peacefully” so as not to trigger chaos similar to what happened in Nepal and Indonesia.
“Make known your sentiments. Make known how you’ve been hurt, how they stole from you. Let them know. You can demonstrate, but keep it peaceful,” he said in English and Filipino.
