Malacañang understands backlash after FL Liza posts birthday selfie amid flooding

The Palace on Tuesday recognized public criticisms following the announcement by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos that she would go on a “birthday sabbatical”—a post made while parts of the country were suffering from floods due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

“Nakita nga po natin ‘yan at nauunawaan po natin kung may ilang mga hindi po nasiyahan sa timing o paraan ng pagkakasulat ng post ng ating First Lady. Karapatan ng bawat isa na magkaroon ng sariling opinyon,” Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

(We saw the criticisms and we understand if some were disappointed with the timing or the way our First Lady’s post was written. Everyone has the right to their own opinion.)

In the selfie post of the First Lady on Monday, August 17, she said that she was excited to start her weeklong birthday sabbatical, and that she will be back on work next Monday, August 24. Liza Marcos will turn 67 this Friday, August 21.

She also wrote in the caption that while on birthday break, she would enjoy “no makeup, no hairspray, no terno, no heels, no speeches, no official photos, no meetings, no schedule, no stress.”

“Just me [and] Mother Nature. Time to slow down, recharge and enjoy the quiet,” she added.

The First Lady further wrote: “Stay safe [and] dry, everyone!”

Several roads in Metro Manila and nearby provinces were flooded on Monday due to the heavy rains brought by the Habagat. Due to this, many commuters and motorists got stranded and stuck in traffic.

At least 26 people were also confirmed dead while 5.1 million people were affected amid the weather disturbances in the past weeks, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday.

According to Malacañang, before going on a birthday break and prior to the heavy rains on Monday, the First Lady helped in distributing aid to various parts of the country.

“Nais lamang ipahatid ng birthday post na ito ang kahalagahan ng bawat araw at bawat taon na bigay ng Panginoon kahit ano pang delubyo o pagsubok ang kinakaharap natin,” Castro said.

(This birthday post simply wants to convey the value of every day and every year gifted by the Lord despite the calamities or trials we face.)

“Sa mga na-offend or sumama ang kanilang damdamin sa pag-post na ‘to, walang ibig na ipahiwatig na negatibo ang ating First Lady,” she added.

(To those who were offended or whose feelings were hurt by this post: the First Lady had no negative intention.) —AOL, GMA News