President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. respects the public’s right to stage rallies against corruption, Malacañang said, following a series of demonstrations in the capital.
The Palace clarified that the president will not prevent Filipinos from expressing their anger and grievances over corruption-related issues. Officials noted that this stance covers both the protest held earlier today and another large-scale rally planned for September 21.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that Marcos values freedom of expression and acknowledges the importance of citizens’ voices in governance.
“The president respects the freedom of expression of our people,” Castro said. “In fact, he supports their grievances because they are against corruption.”
However, the Palace cautioned against the possibility of rallies being exploited by groups seeking to destabilize the government. Castro noted that while public protests are legitimate, there are concerns that certain organizations with political interests could attempt to use the events for their own agendas.
The administration’s position comes amid heightened public focus on corruption scandals involving government projects. Activist groups, student organizations, and civil society leaders have announced mobilizations calling for accountability and stronger anti-graft measures.
Malacañang reiterated that the president welcomes constructive criticism but warned that destabilization efforts could harm the stability of governance and derail reforms.
The September 21 protest is expected to draw significant attention as it coincides with the anniversary of martial law, historically a day of political demonstrations.
By affirming respect for peaceful protests while issuing warnings against destabilizers, the Palace signaled its intent to strike a balance between encouraging civic participation and protecting government stability.
