Palace defends Marcos’ presence at cash aid event

Malacañang on Monday defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s presence at a cash aid distribution in Manila City, despite the “Anti-Epal” policy set forth in the 2026 budget law.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro clarified during a briefing that the President’s presence does not violate the prohibition against politicians seeking popularity through the government’s social amelioration programs.

“That is the event of the President, so he should at least show the people that the government is running, that it is properly managed for the country and for the people,” she said.

Marcos led the distribution of P5,000 cash assistance on March 17 for public utility vehicle drivers heavily affected by rising fuel prices. He visited the payout site in Sta. Mesa, Manila, alongside key government officials.

The President’s presence, Castro said, is meant to show support for the measures that the government is taking to help citizens cope with the crisis.

“Dapat makita siya, dapat nakikita ang Pangulo, dahil ang pagpapakita ng Pangulo ay pagpapakita ng tiwala sa mga kababayan natin na kung anumang krisis mayroon tayo ay maari natin itong malampasan,” she added.

(The President should be visible because this assures the public that, in times of crisis, the government is ready to respond to their needs.)

Under Republic Act No. 12314, or the General Appropriations Act (GAA), which sets the national government’s P6.793-trillion budget for 2026, all cash assistance and other financial aid distributions must be conducted exclusively by authorized government officers, personnel, or accredited partners.

Marcos has also emphasized that politicians are barred from distributing financial aid, saying the support must reach beneficiaries “without patronage.”

Along with the President, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora were present during the event, despite the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) strict enforcement of the “Anti-Epal” policy nationwide.

The mayors attended as host local governments, Castro said.

“Iyon po kasi ay isang event na kung saan ay pinuntahan po ng Pangulo at kinakailangan po nandodoon po ang host. Sa Manila po ginanap kaya nararapat lamang po na si Mayor Isko Moreno ang sumalubong at tumanggap sa ating Pangulo,” she said.

(This was an event attended by the President, and the host’s presence was necessary. Since it was held in Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno should welcome the President.)

“Regarding Mayor Francis Zamora, he is the National President of the League of Cities, representing all city mayors. Since this is a project of the President for tricycle drivers, and the LGUs know who the beneficiaries are, it was appropriate for Mayor Zamora to attend,” she added.

The DILG has instructed all provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials—including central, regional, and field offices and attached agencies—to ensure that “no public official’s name, photo, logo, initials, color motif, slogan, or any identifying symbol appears on project signages, markers, tarpaulins, and similar materials funded by public money.”—MCG, GMA Integrated News