President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government agencies and law enforcement to prevent any violent escalation as the review of flood control projects and budget allocations continues, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Thursday, Sept. 4
In a press briefing, Castro emphasized that public outrage must not spiral into unrest, especially as investigations into alleged irregularities are being conducted through proper legal channels.
The Palace appealed for sobriety and vigilance following a series of protests, including a mud-throwing demonstration on Thursday by disaster survivors and environmental groups outside the Pasig office of St. Gerrard Construction, owned by the Discaya family.
The groups accused the company of securing flood control contracts that failed to ease flooding in affected communities.
Protesters also gathered outside the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office in Manila, where they hurled rotten vegetables mixed with foul-smelling water at police officers stationed outside.
Members of Anakbayan denounced President Marcos and key government officials over alleged large-scale corruption in flood control projects.
The group called on the youth to take action, urging students and young people to organize mass mobilizations in schools, communities, and the streets to demand real change.
Castro, however, reiterated that President Marcos does not condone chaos and insists on due process.
“Hindi po nanaisin ng Pangulo na ganito ang mangyari,” she said. “Sabi nga po ng Pangulo, sinusunod natin ang due process.”
The Palace stressed that anomalies uncovered in the DPWH will be addressed through investigation and accountability measures, not mob action.
“Hindi po ninanais na magkaroon ng kaguluhan dahil lamang may mga maling information,” she added.
“Nais ng Pangulo ay maliwanagan lahat tayo kung ano nangyayari sa mga flood control projects at maibigay ang nararapat sa taong bayan.”
The Malacañang official cautioned against attempts to politicize or weaponize the flood control controversy.
“Huwag po sana gamitin ito… ng mga rebelde, ng mga obstructionist, o ng mga kalaban sa politika,” she said.
For now, Castro said the situation was not yet alarming, noting that security forces were closely monitoring potential threats.
The Palace called on the public to cooperate in rooting out corruption but underscored that the fight must be pursued through legal processes and in unity.
“Magtulong-tulong po tayong lahat para masawata ang korapsyon dito sa bansa,” Castro said. (with reports from Hanah Nicol and Diann Calucin)
