Con-ass plot claim may be intended to divert public attention — Castro

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on Tuesday dismissed allegations that the administration is pushing for Charter change through a constituent assembly (con-ass), saying the issue may be intended to divert public attention from other issues, including the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Castro made the remarks after Senator Imee Marcos presented a video during a Senate privilege speech on Monday alleging efforts to amend the Constitution via con-ass and extend the terms of incumbent officials.

Aside from the impeachment trial, Castro said the controversy may be intended to shift attention away from other issues such as Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's escape from Senate protective custody.

"This is not a Palace statement. On my part, bilang isang ordinaryong Pilipino, iyon ang nakikita ko na nais nilang pagtakpan dahil iyon ang issue. Ngayon para hindi mabaling sa kanila ang usapan, ibabaling nila sa minority," Castro told Super Radyo dzBB.

(This is not a Palace statement. As an ordinary Filipino, that is how I see it. It appears they want to cover up other issues. To keep the discussion from focusing on them, they are redirecting it toward the minority.)

She denied that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has been pushing con-ass, saying he was focused on other concerns confronting the nation.

"Mismong mga kasamahan niya ang nagsabi na hindi totoo. Kung sila mismo sinasabi na kalokohan at kasinungalingan, what more kay President Ferdinand Marcos Jr," Castro

(Even her own colleagues said it was not true. If they themselves are saying it is nonsense and a lie, what more President Ferdinand Marcos Jr?)

"Kapag kami ay nagme-meeting, ni hindi 'yan napag-uusapan. Pinag-uusapan dito kahapon, El Niño. Ang daming meetings ng Pangulo pero hindi 'yan ang agenda kasi walang balak sa ganyan. Hindi 'yan ang priority ng Pangulo at hindi 'yan gagawin," she said.

(We do not even discuss that during meetings. Yesterday, we were discussing El Niño. The President attends many meetings, but that has never been on the agenda because there are no plans for it. It is not among the President's priorities and it will not be pursued.)

During Monday's plenary session, Senator Marcos presented a video purportedly containing documentation, footage, and statements alleging that minority senators were pushing for Charter change through a constituent assembly.

The presentation drew flak from some senators, including Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, who moved to strike the video from the Senate record, describing it as propaganda. The motion was seconded by other lawmakers but opposed by Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

"Sa mga kababayan natin, 'yang mga ganiyang klaseng kwento, hangga't walang nakikitang sinisimulan, wag maaalarma. Wala akong nakikitang senyales na 'yan ang tinutumbok kasi hindi napag-uusapan," she said.

(To our countrymen, do not be alarmed by stories like these unless you actually see something being initiated. I see no indication that this is the direction being taken because it is not even being discussed.)

While stressing that Malacañang would not interfere in Senate affairs, Castro called on lawmakers to ensure that the administration's legislative agenda would not be affected by political disputes.

"Ang maganda lang dito na maipanawagan, kahit ano pang nangyayari diyan, sana wag maapektuhan ang mga priority bills na gusto ng Pangulo na maipatupad," she said.

(Our only appeal is that whatever is happening there, we hope it will not affect the priority bills that the President wants enacted.) — VDV, GMA News