Manila: Malaca±ang on Saturday slammed 'hypocrite' critics who turned a blind eye and chose to be deaf to the past administration's wrongdoings but are now seeking President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s ouster. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro lamented that some members of the opposition are calling for Marcos' resignation despite his efforts to solve the country's problems, particularly corruption in government.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro issued the statement in response to former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor's allegation that Marcos is the 'mastermind behind the corruption,' citing the existence of anomalous flood control projects. Defensor led a motorcade caravan along EDSA, calling for Marcos' resignation amid heavy criticism linking the President to flood control anomalies. He announced there would be a series of anti-corruption motorcades in various parts of the country, expressing dismay over the supposed refusal of the House Office of the Secretary General to accept the impeachment complaint lodged by opposition groups. Defensor also told Marcos to be transparent about the real condition of his health.
Castro turned the tables on members of the opposition, saying they were silent when the past administration was mired in controversies. 'Pinapaalam namin ang tunay na kalagayan ng Pangulo; huwag silang bulag o bingi. Huwag din silang manatiling source ng fake news (We are making the real condition of the President known-don't be blind or deaf. And don't remain a source of fake news),' she said. Castro questioned the silence of those who were quiet during the blatant corruption of the previous administration, asking if they were enablers or accomplices of the theft of public funds.
Further criticizing the opposition, Castro challenged them to disclose everything they know, dismissing the allegations against Marcos as baseless unless supported by evidence. 'Ang mga dapat malaman ng bayan ay dapat nang ipahayag nang walang takot. Hindi puro sa media lang. Huwag daanin sa drama, insinuations, at puro bintang na 'walang ebidensya' ang pagbibintang sa administrasyon,' she said. This statement came after Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste claimed that representatives of the Marcos administration had asked him to travel overseas and stop releasing evidence on flood control irregularities.
