Malacañang said President Marcos respects the right of Filipinos to stage rallies against corruption, stressing that he also shares the public’s frustration over recent controversies.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this ahead of the planned protests against government corruption on Sunday, Sept. 21, which coincides with the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

In a statement on Saturday, Sept. 20, the Palace Press Officer said the President will always respect human rights, allowing citizens to freely express themselves as long as the law is not violated.

“Malaya silang ihayag ang damdamin nila nang hindi naman lalabag sa mga probisyon ng batas (They are free to express their grievances without violating the law),” she said.

Castro added that Marcos recognizes the people’s dismay and feels the same way.

“Naririnig at nararamdaman ng Pangulo ang pagkadismaya ng taumbayan at iyon ay kanyang nararamdaman rin (The President hears and feels the frustration of the people, and he also feels the same),” she said.

The Palace official said this is why the President ordered an investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, a process she assured will continue until those who misused public funds are held accountable.

“Kaya ang pinasimulan ng Pangulo na pag-iimbestiga tungkol sa maanomalyang flood control projects ay magpapatuloy upang mapanagot ang mga taong nangabuso sa pera ng bayan (That is why the investigation initiated by the President into anomalous flood control projects will continue to hold accountable those who abused public funds),” she said.

Castro also called on Filipinos to cooperate with the government in exposing corruption while exercising vigilance against groups that may exploit the rallies for political gain.

“Nais din ng Pangulo na ang taumbayan ay makipagtulungan sa gobyerno para matigil na ang pag-aabuso na ito (The President wants the public to cooperate with the government to put an end to this abuse),” she said.

She warned, however, that legitimate grievances could be hijacked by those whose only intent is to “discredit the government and advance their personal interests.”

The anti-corruption rallies take place amid allegations of irregularities in flood control projects, which prompted Marcos to order a sweeping probe into possible misuse of funds.

President Marcos himself said the people had the right to be angry because of what was happening, adding that he might be out in the streets with them if he weren’t president.

“If I wasn’t president, I might be out in the streets with them,” he said.

“Of course, they are enraged. Of course, they are angry. I am angry! We should all be angry! Because what’s happening is not right,” he added.

Marcos said he shared the public’s clamor for accountability.

“Do you blame them for going out into the streets? To show that you are enraged, to show that you are angry, to show that you are disappointed, to show that you want justice, to show that you want fairness, what’s wrong with that?,” he said.

“I want to show that there’s justice. I want to show that there is fairness. I want to show, I want to hold these people accountable, just like they do. So I don’t blame them. I don’t blame them. Not one bit,” he added.

He encouraged Filipinos to make their voices heard and confront those responsible for alleged corruption, but warned that authorities would be compelled to act if demonstrations turned violent.

“Kasi pagka hindi na peaceful, eh mahirap na ‘yan (If it’s not peaceful, things will be difficult). Eh, we will have to, the police will have to do its duty to maintain peace and order,” he said.

Marcos has issued Executive Order No. 94, which created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate anomalies in flood control and other projects. He earlier assured that the ICI would be “completely independent.”