Malacañang on Tuesday defended the government’s preparations for the upcoming 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, following accusations that authorities are concealing poverty by clearing street vendors and homeless people from areas surrounding the event venues.
During a Palace press briefing on November 10, Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration is focused on completing preparations to demonstrate the Philippines’ readiness to host the regional gathering and ensure the safety of visiting leaders.
“Ang Pangulo at ang administrasyon ay focus kung paano masasayos at makukumpleto ang preparasyon na ito. Hindi lang para sa Pilipino, kundi para ipakita sa buong mundo kung gaano ka-prepara ang Pilipinas sa pag-host ng ASEAN Summit,” Castro said.
She added that the country should demonstrate its ability to provide adequate security for the visiting leaders and showcase Filipino hospitality.
Castro’s remarks came after ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio criticized the clearing of street vendors and urban poor communities ahead of the summit, comparing the measures to the alleged “whitewashing” of Manila during the 1974 Miss Universe pageant under the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Tinio accused the government of hiding poverty from foreign delegates instead of addressing the concerns of displaced vendors and homeless residents.
Asked why the streets could only be cleaned and cleared in time for an international event, Castro said the preparations were necessary because nearly 20 heads of state were expected to visit the country.
However, based on her remarks, she did not provide a specific commitment on whether the clean-up measures would be maintained after the summit.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun providing assistance to vendors affected by the temporary suspension of their operations in Pasay City.
The agency said around 30 vendors were given ₱10,000 each in cash assistance and family food packs on November 8. It is also coordinating with the local government to identify other vendors who may need assistance.
Castro was also asked about the planned nationwide transport strike of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) on November 16, which coincides with the opening of the ASEAN Summit and the expected arrival of United States President Donald Trump.
In response, Castro said groups have had sufficient time to raise their concerns with the government and appealed to them not to air their grievances during the arrival of foreign delegates.
“Mas maganda po sana kung hindi itatapat sa pagdating ng ating bisita, ipakita natin ang tunay na kagandahang ugali ng mga Pilipino,” she said.
PISTON earlier announced that its members would stage a one-day transport strike on November 16, with succeeding protests planned during Trump’s stay in the Philippines.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are scheduled to take place in Metro Manila from November 16 to 18.
Malacañang has declared these dates as special non-working days in the National Capital Region to help ease traffic and ensure the safety and security of summit participants.
