By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a briefing on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reassured the citizenry that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains focused on keeping various sectors of the nation running at full swing amid political noise.
This as a response to the pronouncements of the President in an earlier interview by an international media outlet wherein he approved of the Vice President’s willingness to run for the highest office in 2028.
Castro emphasized President Marcos Jr.’s unyielding stance on the country’s claims and rights over the West Philippine Sea, non-tolerance for fake news, and responsive action on various national issues such as the flood control mess, which serve as the hallmarks of a competent leader.
She reiterated the President’s call for accountability, as interpreted in his media interview, “Wala siyang particular na sinabi, pero malalaman natin sa kanyang interview na ang gusto niyang mangyari ay managot ang dapat na managot.”
On Paolo Duterte’s tirades vs. PBBM
At the same briefing, Malacañang’s mouthpiece fired back at Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte’s recent remarks, allegedly claiming that the President takes sole credit for the various accomplishments and achievements of the government despite partnering with Vice President Sara Duterte during the 2022 national elections.
Castro explained that while President Marcos Jr. formed half of the UniTeam and honored the Vice President’s achievements, the Chief Executive continues to bear the mandate owing to the responsibilities associated with holding the seat as the government’s top official.
She asked the Davao lawmaker when pressed about the latter’s call to outline some of the administration’s milestones, “Bakit kailangan pang hintayin ang SONA?”
Castro went on to expound some feats that the government has achieved under the President’s leadership, which includes the ongoing drive against corruption with a firm push for accountability to ensure that these controversies would not happen again.
She also shared the completion of major phases of the National Fiber Backbone Project and expanded coverage of active Free Wi-Fi sites in the country, as well as the egov.ph app of the DICT that serves as a one-stop digital platform for government services.
The Palace official stressed, “Nandiyan din po ang Dalian train na napaandar, napaayos ng Pangulo na hindi umaandar ng 10 taon. Pinabayaan ito nung nakaraang administrasyon, pero July 16, 2025, napaandar po ito ng Pangulo at ngayon ay pinakikinabangan ng ating mga kababayan.”
She concluded, “Nandiyan din po ang Zero Balance Billing para sa ating mga kababayan sa basic accommodation sa DOH hospitals, at ito ay nais pang palawigin sa ibang mga ospital sa LGUs.”
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