Malacañang on Friday dismissed allegations of supposed text messages suggesting communication between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Usec. Adrian Bersamin regarding alleged kickbacks in flood control projects.

In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro Usec. Castro clarified that the Palace has not seen any evidence supporting the claims.

“Paano po natin mabibigyan ng tamang kasagutan, matalinong kasagutan kung wala naman po tayong nakikita?” she said, emphasizing that allegations without proof should not be treated as fact.

She reiterated that the matter has already been addressed by the House of Representatives, which concluded that the claims lacked basis.

“Ang anumang pinapahid na isyu ng korapsyon sa Pangulo ay atin pong pinasisinungalingan,” Castro said.

The controversy emerged from alleged exchanges between the President and Bersamin, which supposedly pointed to irregular payoffs tied to flood control contracts—an issue that has been politically sensitive under the current administration.

Castro also dismissed renewed calls from some lawmakers for a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation, calling such calls “their opinion” and stressing that the Palace has yet to find evidence of wrongdoing.

When pressed on whether the Palace could categorically deny the existence of such communications, Castro responded firmly: “Nakita ninyo na po ba?” She added, “Wala pa rin po kaming nakita.”

The Palace likewise declined to compel former officials to publicly refute the claims. “Hindi po natin mapipilit kung sinuman ang gustong magsalita at ayaw magsalita,” she said.

Despite the controversy, Castro maintained that Marcos Jr. remains committed to accountability and transparency.

“Nakatuon po ngayon ng Pangulo sa pagtatrabaho para paunlarin ang ating bansa. Ang anomang paninirang ng walang anomang basehan ay hindi dapat na gamitin o magamit armas para pahinain ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa ating gobyerno,” she emphasized.