Malacañang has defended the events of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos despite the onslaught of a typhoon in the country, saying the events were "not personal parties" and did not hinder any disaster response mobilized by the government.

Responding to criticisms, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that the events held at the Goldenberg mansion at the Palace—Book launch of Philippine First Ladies' Portraits and Goldenberg Concert Series: The PCSO Vocal Ensemble—were meant to promote and recognize the talents of Filipinos.

It was not some party where the First Lady wore costumes or frolic in a resort, Castro pointed out.

"Iyong mga events na dinaluhan po ng Unang Ginang ay hindi po isang party na pansarili lamang, hindi po ito pagdalo o pagpunta sa isang resort para mag-swimming. Hindi po ito pagsusuot ng mga costume katulad ng Snow White para magparty-party (The events attended by the First Lady were not personal parties, she did not go to a resort to swim or wear costumes like Snow White to join a party)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

"Ito po ay pagkilala mismo sa kapwa natin Pilipino (These were events meant to honor and uplift fellow Filipinos)," Castro added.

The Palace official said the book launch was intended to "highlight, honor, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the country’s former First Ladies."

She further said that the events of the First Lady were part of her obligations, and should not be criticized for fulfilling them.

"Kanya-kanya pong responsibilidad, kanya-kanya pong obligasyon kaya po hindi po dapat mabigyan ng kritisismo kung anuman po ang ginagawa ang Unang Ginang sa pagtaas at pag-angat sa mga angking talino ng ating mga kababayan (Each has their own responsibility and obligation, so the First Lady should not be criticized for her efforts to promote and recognize the talents of our people)," Castro stressed.

Without naming names, she also questioned whether someone who uplifts Filipinos must be criticized more than those who go on vacations and swim in resorts.

"Ito naman po ay hindi nakasagabal para sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan. Ang Pangulo at ang mga Cabinet secretaries ay tumugon nang walang pag-antala (What she did did not interfere with the government’s assistance efforts. The President and Cabinet secretaries responded promptly and without delay)," Castro said.

"So, kung ito naman po ay naganap para iangat ang kapwa natin Pilipino ay hindi naman po siguro ito masama. Mas hindi magandang tingnan at mas magandang i-criticize ang mga leaders na nagbabakasyon lamang nang walang dahilan (So, if these activities were carried out to uplift fellow Filipinos, there should be nothing wrong with that. What’s more concerning and worth criticizing are leaders who go on vacations without any valid reason)," Castro added.