Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring the nationwide protests against corruption in multibillion-peso flood control projects, Malaca±ang said Sunday, stressing that the demonstrations will be allowed as long as they remain peaceful and lawful. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro revealed that Marcos decided not to proceed with his planned trip to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to focus on local issues and listen to the grievances of the public.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro mentioned in a television interview that the President is keen on maintaining peace and order during the protests. She emphasized that Marcos values freedom of expression and has chosen to stay in the country to better understand the public’s concerns regarding corruption in flood control projects. Castro stated, “The President is monitoring because peace and order are needed, protests should be peaceful. That’s why he cancelled his trip so that he can know and hear what the people’s true grievances are.”
The protests erupted after reports of irregularities in flood control projects surfaced, following widespread flooding from recent typhoons and monsoon rains. These events prompted the President to issue a comprehensive order to investigate the failed projects. Several civil society groups have called for accountability amid allegations of ‘ghost projects,’ budget irregularities, and connections between contractors and political figures.
Castro highlighted that President Marcos himself initiated the investigation into these anomalies during his State of the Nation Address last July. The President created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to scrutinize the alleged irregularities and directed government agencies to review project implementation and enhance safeguards against corruption.
Additionally, Castro warned against the potential manipulation of protests for partisan purposes, expressing concerns that legitimate efforts to combat corruption could be overshadowed by personal agendas. She reassured the public that the government is committed to protecting civil liberties while urging demonstrators to comply with the law and avoid actions contrary to governmental objectives.
She concluded by affirming the administration’s commitment to human rights and civil liberties, stating, “Your rights will not be violated by the President, the government. The President really values human rights. Just don’t abuse it or break the law.”