Malacañang on Thursday pushed back against statements attributing sole executive and command responsibility to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying the executive branch extends beyond the Chief Executive and that anti-corruption efforts cover multiple agencies.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro clarified during a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps on April 23, following remarks from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez that cited executive and command responsibility in relation to the national budget and alleged irregularities.

Castro said the President did not interpret Romualdez’s statement as an accusation against him, stressing that Marcos had already ordered investigations into alleged anomalies as early as 2025.

“Pag sinabi po natin executive, hindi lamang po ang Pangulong nasa executive,” Castro said, adding that the administration created an independent investigating body to ensure accountability and prevent any perception of a cover-up, particularly in relation to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

She said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was established so that investigations would not be limited to an ad hoc mechanism and could cover all potentially involved officials.

Castro also noted that implementation of government programs and projects at the ground level falls on implementing agencies, which are also now under scrutiny.

Responding to questions on whether Marcos felt being blamed by Romualdez, Castro said the President views the matter as part of his duty as Chief Executive.

“Being the Commander-in-Chief, being the Chief Executive, ano po ba ang mandato ng isang Presidente? Hindi po ba linisin ang mga anomalya sa gobyerno kahit tamaan na ang kanyang administrasyon?” she said.

She added that the President’s directive to investigate and “clean up” irregularities reflects his responsibility to hold his administration accountable when necessary.