Politics · Philippines Bureau
Palace defends Marcos for singing at wife's birthday during Luzon floods
Malacañang has defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following a viral video of him singing at a post-birthday celebration for First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, which occurred while heavy rains inundated multiple regions across Luzon.
LSN Philippines ·
The presidential palace moved to counter criticism Sunday after footage circulated showing the president performing at his wife's birthday event held at their residence in Makati City. The celebration took place as severe weather conditions caused widespread flooding across northern and central Luzon, prompting concerns from the public about the president's priorities during a natural disaster.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to the backlash by emphasizing that the president has maintained close oversight of the disaster response efforts. Castro's statement sought to reassure the public that despite his attendance at the private event, Marcos continued to monitor the situation and coordinate relief operations.
The incident reflects ongoing scrutiny of how government leaders balance official duties with personal commitments during emergency situations. The flooding affected numerous communities across Luzon, displacing residents and disrupting essential services in the affected areas. Officials had urged residents in flood-prone zones to evacuate to safer locations as weather conditions persisted.
The palace's defense came amid wider discussions about government accountability and disaster management preparedness in the Philippines.