Palace on protests vs. corruption: Marcos respects freedom of expression

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects freedom of expression, as several groups took to the streets this week to protest the irregularities in the government's flood control projects, Malacañang said Saturday. 

At a press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked about Malacañang's view on public outrage concerning corruption, especially in flood control projects. She was also asked about the planned protest action in Manila slated for September 21. 

"First of all, the President will always respect this freedom of expression. So, kung anuman po ang nararamdaman, ang sintemyento ng ating mga kababayan sa ngayon, iyan po ay ginagalang ng Pangulo,'' Castro said.

(So, whatever the feelings, the sentiments of our countrymen are at this time, the President respects that.)

"Ang dasal lamang po natin, itong kanilang pagsisintemyento ay huwag sanang sakyan ng ibang mga tao na hindi maganda ang naisin para sa gobyerno kung ‘di mag-destabilize. So, iyan po ay sinusuportahan naman din po ng Pangulo, ang mga hinaing ng ating taumbayan dahil ito naman po ay laban sa korapsyon,'' she added.

(We pray that those people who want to destabilize the government will not take advantage of this sentiment. So, the President supports the people in airing their grievances against corruption.)

Marcos has directed an independent panel to investigate the implementation of flood control and other infrastructure projects across the country and recommend that those responsible for illegal acts be charged.

Created through Executive Order 94, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure will look into the infrastructure projects in the last ten years.

Assigned as commission members are former Public Works secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson and Rossana Fajardo, country managing partner at auditing firm SGV and Co.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, meanwhile, will serve as special adviser and investigator for the ICI. —VBL, GMA Integrated News