By Brian Campued
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reminded the public to observe courtesy even when conducting protests, stressing that the behavior they show reflects the kind of conduct they had learned from the people they support.
Castro remarked as she recounted being verbally attacked by some Filipino protesters while shooting a video content, calling her names and following her around.
“Kinuyog na kami, samantalang kung tutuusin kami [ay] nagtatrabaho. Hindi kami nagbabakasyon dito, we’re just doing our job,” the Palace official said in an ambush interview with the Philippine media covering President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Canada on Friday (Canada time).
“So, may mga ganyang tao. May freedom of expression tayo, pero hindi naman kailangan maging bastos. Pilipino kayo, hindi naman ganyan ang ugali ng mga Pilipino eh,” she added.
In a press briefing in Vancouver, Castro also stressed that while the people are free to air their grievances to the government, any criticism must be grounded on facts—otherwise, it would be considered baseless accusations.
“Ang tanong na lang natin, yung kanila bang sinisigaw ay may katotohanan? Ang kanila bang sinisigaw ay mayroong basehan? Kung ang kanila bang sinisisgaw ay talagang paninira lamang at walang dahilan kung hindi ibaba ang bansang Pilipinas sa mata ng ibang bansa,” she said.
“Hindi ba dapat minamahal natin ang sarili nating bansa? Hindi sa pamamagitan ng pagprotesta ng walang basehan. Huwag nilang sirain ang sarili nating bansa,” she added, noting that investigating bodies welcome the filing of complaints as long as these are supported by evidence.
The President and his delegation departed for Canada on July 1 amid protests staged by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo near the People Power Monument in Quezon City and later at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
The protests were conducted to express support for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta amid the filing of plunder charges against him over P75 million in undeclared campaign contributions when he ran for senator in the 2025 midterm elections. (with report from Kenneth Paciente / PTV News)
