Malacañang has called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson for possible inciting to sedition after his remarks urging students to rise for a “revolution against corruption.”

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after Singson said there must be a total overhaul of government, as all agencies were now corrupt.

In her press briefing on Monday, Sept. 22, Castro said President Marcos wants accountability from those who may have stoked violence during Sunday’s rallies.

“Ang gusto po ng Pangulo ay managot ang lahat na maaaring managot at lahat na maaaring sangkot sa marahas na nangyari (The President wants everyone who can be held accountable to face consequences, including those involved in the violent incidents),” she said.

Castro said Singson’s statements must be reviewed as he allegedly encouraged young people, including minors, to skip classes to join the movement.

“At si Mr. Chavit Singson pa ang nagsabi na hayaan ng mga magulang ang mga batang ito na tumayo para sa isang rebolusyon para sa korapsyon (Mr. Chavit Singson even said that parents should allow their children to rise for a revolution against corruption),” she said.

The Palace Press Officer said it is now up to the DOJ and law enforcement agencies to determine if Singson’s call for a revolutionary government falls under inciting to sedition.

“Tayo na po ang makikiusap sa pamunuan, especially kay [Interior] Secretary Jonvic Remulla, kay acting PNP Chief General Nartatez Jr. and, of course, DOJ, na busisiin mismo ang mga sinabi ni Mr. Chavit Singson (We appeal to Secretary Remulla, acting PNP Chief Nartatez, and the DOJ to examine Mr. Singson’s words closely),” she said.

Under the Revised Penal Code, inciting to sedition is committed when a person, through speech, writing, or other means, incites others to rise against lawful authorities or disturb public peace and order. Those found guilty may face imprisonment of up to six years, depending on the gravity of the offense.

Castro also called out the former governor for accusing First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez of orchestrating the masked riot in Manila during the Sunday protests.

“Malaking kasinungalingan (It's a big lie)!” she said in a message to reporters.

“Huwag nilang ipahid ang mga gawain nilang kriminal kay First Lady Liza Marcos (Don't link the First Lady to criminal activities),” she added.

According to Castro, the First Lady would not do anything to harm the police, especially if it is near Malacañang.

“Mag-isip-isip naman sila (They should use their brain),” she said.

Castro said it was Singson, whom she described as a “Duterte supporter,” who urged the youth to rise and lead the revolution against the government.

“Sino ba ang may history ng pagpatay, pananakit at paggiba sa gobyerno (Who here has a history of killings, violence, and destabilizing the government)?” she asked.

“Nililigtas na ba nila mga sarili nila? Ngayon, pwede nang magsama-sama silang mga mahihilig magpatawa kahit hindi mga komedyante (Are they now saving themselves? Now, these people who loves to make jokes can come together even if they're not comedians),” she added.

Singson’s ties with Marcos reportedly soured after the Chief Executive supposedly declined his request to appoint him or his son to a government post.

The rift deepened as the Ilocos Sur political figure voiced dissatisfaction over Marcos’ leadership, citing the country’s strained relations with China and the corruption controversy surrounding flood control projects.

Saying “all agencies are now corrupt,” Singson pushed for a new governing body to be formed not by politicians but by “the military, religious organizations, and businessmen.”

“Mga matitino muna, including religious organizations, military. Sila mauuna, alis muna mga politicians (Let the righteous ones lead first, including the religious organizations and the military. They should take the lead while the politicians step aside),” he said.

On Sunday, Castro said President Marcos is ready to face Singson’s allegations linking Ilocos Norte projects to the embattled Discaya contractor couple.

She assured the public there will be no cover-up in the ongoing flood control probe, saying the President created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) precisely to handle such claims.

“Kaya nga nag-create ng ICI, independent ito. Kung ano masisiwalat dito, ilabas; kung sino ang tatamaan dito, papanagutin (That is why the ICI was created. It is independent. Whatever is revealed should come out; whoever is implicated must be held accountable),” she told ABS-CBN News.

“So, walang magiging cover up dito (So there will be no cover-up here),” she added.

Castro emphasized that President Marcos is prepared to respond to any issues raised, provided these are backed by proof.

“Yes. Basta ibigay lang nila iyong tamang mga ebidensiya (Yes, as long as they present proper evidence),” she said when asked if the President was ready to explain allegations of irregularities in Ilocos Norte projects.

The Palace official reiterated that the ICI will investigate all allegations regardless of who is implicated, and that accountability will be enforced.