Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded Wednesday to a video released by the camp of Sen. Imee Marcos that appeared to mock her by giving a new meaning to the acronym “ICC.”
The video discussed issues surrounding the United States’ reported move against the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, the senator’s camp also suggested that even if the ICC were no longer relevant, there would still be an “ICC” inside Malacañang.
Although Castro was not directly named in the video, it implied that “ICC” in Malacañang stood for “Impaktang Claire.”
During a Palace press briefing, Castro rejected the remark, saying she does not resort to ad hominem attacks against others and that her objective is to counter fake news.
She reiterated that combating misinformation remains her primary responsibility and said she would not engage in personal attacks despite the criticism directed at her.
Castro added that if the camp of Sen. Marcos considers those who fight fake news as “impakta,” the description says more about those who created, directed, and appeared in the video.
She also cited the expression, “It takes one to know one,” and remarked that the word “impakta” begins with the letters “I-M,” an apparent reference to Imee Marcos.
Castro further said she could never take the “crown” from the senator and her allies when it comes to using such descriptions, claiming they have already reached the “maximum level” in making those kinds of remarks.
The exchange marks the latest public word war between the Palace press office and the camp of Sen. Marcos over political issues and public messaging. Neither side announced further action following Castro’s response.
