Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro is willing to stand up for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as long as he is doing what is right and is telling the truth.
She made the remarks in an interview with TV host c on his Youtube channel that was uploaded over the weekend.
She said she cannot defend someone who is hiding wrongdoings.
“So, as long na alam ko ang ginagawa ng Pangulo ay tama, ipagtatanggol ko,” Castro said.
She added that she would tell the President directly if she knew that he did something wrong.
“I will tell him. That’s not correct. That’s wrong. Let’s make an action on that,” Castro said, adding that her professional relationship with Marcos allows her to talk to him and give advice or suggestions.
She noted that the President is not one to expect blind loyalty and is open to honest advice from his officials.
“Kasi ang kailangan po ng Pangulo, hindi lang sipsip. Kailangan po niya ng mga taong magbibigay sa kanya ng tamang impormasyon,” the Palace press officer said.
She recalled advising him to review a proposed naturalization bill concerning a foreigner. He ended up vetoing the bill.
In April 2025, the President vetoed a House bill seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to Li Duan Wang – also known as Mark Ong – amid allegations that he is linked to Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities, the use of multiple taxpayer identification numbers, and possible ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
