Malacañang defended the appearance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and several local officials at a cash aid distribution event in Manila last week, arguing that presidential visibility at such events reassures the public that the government is functioning properly.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro cited the need for Marcos to be seen at the distribution of P5,000 cash assistance for tricycle drivers as the basis for his attendance.
“That is the event of the President, so he should at least show the people that the government is running, the government is properly managed for the country and for the people,” Castro told reporters at the Palace.
She elaborated further in Filipino: “Dapat nakikita ang Pangulo dahil ang pagpapakita ng Pangulo ay pagpapakita ng tiwala sa mga kababayan natin na kung anumang krisis mayroon tayo ay maaari natin itong malampasan.”
The remarks came after questions were raised over whether the event violated provisions of the General Appropriations Act of 2026, which prohibits elective officials, candidates, politicians, and their representatives from being present at or participating in the actual distribution of cash assistance and other financial aid.
The law carves out an exception only for officials with direct administrative and executive authority over the implementing agency.
Castro also addressed the presence of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, who serves as National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines. She said Domagoso’s attendance was appropriate given that the event was held in his city, while Zamora’s role as representative of city mayors made his participation relevant since local government units identify the beneficiaries.
“Sa Manila po ginanap kaya nararapat lamang po na si Mayor Isko Moreno ang sumalubong at tumanggap sa ating Pangulo,” Castro said.
“Tungkol naman po kay Mayor Francis Zamora, siya naman po ang National President of the League of Cities na siyang kumakatawan sa city mayors so ibig sabihin po since ito po ay proyekto ng Pangulo para sa mga tricycle drivers kung saan ang LGU mismo ang nakakaalam kung sino iyong mga benepisyaryo nararapat lamang din pong pumunta si Mayor Francis Zamora,” she added.
The GAA’s anti-patronage provisions were designed to prevent the perception that government assistance is being distributed along political lines.
