Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday criticized the administration of her brother, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., accusing the government of neglecting the plight of Filipinos while prioritizing overseas engagements.
Speaking before thousands of members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) during a rally at the EDSA People Power Monument on June 30, Marcos questioned the President's scheduled working visit to Canada, saying the administration should focus on addressing the country's pressing domestic concerns.
"Kasuklam-suklam ang gobyernong manhid. Manhid at walang pakialam sa hirap ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, mga sektor na nagpapakain sa atin na halos walang makain, gutom ang mga pamilya," Marcos said during her speech.
"Wala silang pakialam, gobyernong tulog, lasing sa kapangyarihan, sadyang pipiliin pa bumiyahe makihalubilo sa Canada, sa mga dayuhan sa Amerika. Habang ang Pilipino ay nagdurusa sa gasolinang hindi abot kaya, pagkaing ginintuan at napakahirap na buhay, wala silang pakialam, pagkat itong gobyerno, ay bangag, walang malay," she added.
The President is set to travel to Ottawa for a working visit from July 1 to 4.
Marcos urged Filipinos to become more involved in national issues, saying citizens should no longer remain silent amid what she described as government abuses and a lack of accountability.
She also alleged that authorities have ignored evidence and testimonies involving unresolved issues while criticizing the government's flood control efforts.
"Nagkukunwaring hindi nakikita ang sambuntong na ebidensya, ang dose-dosenang testigo. Ang labing-walo higit pang mga marines! Itong baha at flood control nalulunod sa atin lahat. Wala silang pakialam," she said.
Marcos appealed to members of the INC to take an active role in advocating for justice and accountability.
"Makialam na po tayo, makialam para sa kabataan, makialam para sa kinabukasan, makialam para may balik ang katotohanan sa ating lipi. Panahon na na maibalik ang katarungan, ang hustisya na hindi buktot at binabaluktot ang batas at saligang batas. Katarungan na pantay-pantay sa mahirap at mayaman," she said.
The senator also called for equal application of the law, saying justice should not favor political allies or opponents.
"Katarungan na walang sino-sino, na walang pinipili na kaalyado o kalaban daw. Katarungan na naiiba ngayon para sa senador at sa mga pinsan buo. Katarungan para sa lahat ng Pilipino. We are one!" Marcos said.
The rally was organized by members of the INC and gathered supporters at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City.
The Palace has yet to issue a statement on the senator's remarks.
