Palace defends Liza Marcos over birthday sabbatical post
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang defended First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Tuesday, August 18, after her post announcing a birthday sabbatical drew backlash for appearing insensitive amid heavy rains and reported flooding in several areas in Luzon.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Malacañang acknowledged the criticisms over the timing and manner in which the first lady’s post was written, but explained that Marcos had no negative intention in making such a post other than to celebrate her birthday.
“Walang ibig na ipahiwatig na negatibo ang ating first lady kun’di para ipabatid lang na ang isang kaarawan habang tayo ay nabubuhay ay mahalaga na ipagpasalamat sa ating Maykapal,” Castro said.
(The first lady had no other negative implications; she only wanted to say that it is important to be grateful to God for having a birthday while we are alive.)
On Monday afternoon, August 17, Marcos posted a selfie in a garden with a caption announcing her one-week sabbatical birthday break.
The post came amid heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding in several parts of Metro Manila and Luzon, which left workers and students stranded due to impassable roads, forced families to evacuate and submerged houses in floodwaters.
Castro said Malacañang and the first lady understand and respect the criticisms of the post, but assured the public that the distribution of assistance is continuing.
She further said that Marcos included a “stay safe and dry” message at the end of her post, which indicated her concern for people experiencing the effects of heavy rain.
“Ngunit sa mga nagdamdam sa post na ito, naiintindihan po namin ang inyong damdamin. Ngunit huwag po kayong mag-alala dahil tuloy-tuloy po ang pagtatrabaho at pagbibigay ng assistance at ayuda ng pamahalaan para sa ating mga kababayan na nakaranas ng hindi kanais-nais na trapiko, pagbaha kahapon,” Castro said.
(But for those who were offended by the post, we understand your feelings. But don’t worry because the government is continuously working to deliver assistance and aid to people who experienced unfavorable traffic and flooding yesterday.)
Castro further defended the first lady and said that she has also been helping President Marcos with his duties.
“Hindi naman po rin nagkukulang ating First Lady sa kanyang pagtulong. Hindi niyo man siya nakikita madalas pero behind the scene alam natin kung ano po ang nagagawa ni First Lady at katuwang po siya ng ating Pangulo,” Castro said.
(Our first lady has never fallen short when it comes to helping. You may not see her always, but behind the scenes, we know what she does. She also serves as a partner to our president.)
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