Malacañang on Tuesday, April 15, dismissed suggestions that a recently released political ad featuring Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos was a criticism of the current administration, saying it more aptly describes the past administration.
The controversial ad, which aired on Monday, April 14, depicted the Philippines as being in mourning due to hunger, crime, and injustice—imagery interpreted by some as an indictment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership.
“You just said it is recent? Oh, ang akala ay 2022 campaign ads ito dahil mas na-describe ang kapanahunan noong nakaraang administrasyon doon sa nasabing campaign ads,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro during a Palace briefing.
Quoting the line “Itim ngayon ang kulay ng bansa, sa gutom at krimen nagluluksa,” Castro argued that the country is no longer in such a bleak state.
“Mas madi-describe siguro natin noong nakaraang administrasyon na sobrang itim, at ngayon ay papaliwanag sa panahon ng kasalukuyang administrasyon. Hindi man ganoon pa kaputi, pero patungo na doon,” she said.
Castro cited the drop in poverty incidence from 18.1% in 2021 to 15.5% in 2023, as reported by NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and covered by local and international media outlets.
Regarding crime, Castro cited statements by Senate President Chiz Escudero and said that crime rates are lower now than in previous years.
She further disputed the claims of Duterte and Sen. Marcos in their video that the country is mourning over the spread of hunger and criminality in the country.
On the issue of justice, she highlighted the emotional reaction of Dalia Cuartero, whose son was killed in a 2016 drug operation, to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. “Tears of joy,” said Castro, quoting a report by philstar.com.
“Maging mapanuri. Huwag pong magpaloko sa mga sinasabi sa iilang campaign ads. Alamin ang katotohanan. Iwasan ang fake news. Dignidad mo, iboto mo,” Castro said.
When asked if Marcos Jr. had reacted to the ad—especially considering it featured the Vice President and his own sister—Castro was cautious.
“Mas maganda pong matanong na lang natin ang campaign manager. Mas authorized po siyang magsalita patungkol sa ganiyang klaseng relasyon,” she said.
However, she added, “Of course, hindi po nais ng ating Pangulo ang mga ganitong klaseng mga negatibo na pangangampaniya, lalung-lalo na po kung ito ay fake news.” (TCSP)
