Malacañang on Wednesday strongly criticized Senator Imee Marcos over her recent remarks accusing the administration of being “asleep” and “intoxicated with power,” describing her statements as misleading and politically motivated.
During a Palace press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government rejects the senator’s claims made during a recent Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally, where she allegedly accused the administration of neglecting key national issues and raised allegations involving illegal drugs.
Castro said the Palace viewed the senator’s statements as harmful and unsubstantiated.
“Namutawi kay Sen. Imee Marcos ang mga salitang magpapaiting ng galit sa gobyerno, ang paninira sa Pangulo at sa gobyerno ito,” Castro said. “Nakakaawa ang mga obstructionist na tulad ng isang senadora na nagre-rely at gumagamit ng fake news para makapanira lamang.”
She further claimed that the senator’s remarks contributed to the spread of misinformation, adding that those who believe such statements may be misled.
“Nakakaawa dahil malamang hindi nila alam na sila ay ginagawa lamang mang-mang,” Castro said, referring to the audience of the rally.
The Palace also dismissed allegations raised by Senator Marcos that the government is neglecting farmers and fisherfolk, citing ongoing assistance programs and livelihood support initiatives.
As evidence, Castro pointed to recent government interventions, including the release of livelihood assistance to 186 fisherfolk in Pangasinan on June 30, 2026, as well as continued support programs for farmers and fisherfolk under the Marcos administration.
Castro questioned the basis of the senator’s criticisms, stressing that state assistance to rural sectors remains ongoing and documented.
“So ano po ang kanyang basehan sa pagsasabing hindi tumutulong ang gobyerno sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda?” she said.
The Palace official also responded to broader allegations involving alleged irregularities in past administrations, including flood control projects, saying that previous claims of ghost projects and anomalies had already been raised and investigated by various officials and lawmakers in earlier years.
Castro further questioned the senator’s past silence on such issues while holding public office, contrasting it with her current criticisms of the administration.
“Bakit noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte siya ay nanahimik at ngayon lamang siya nag-iingay?” Castro said, adding that the current administration remains focused on accountability and governance reforms.
The Malacañang statement underscores growing tensions between the Palace and the senator following her public remarks, as the administration continues to defend its record on social services, agricultural support, and governance transparency.
