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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace urges unity, investor confidence amid cases vs PBBM, VP Duterte

Palace urges unity, investor confidence amid cases vs PBBM, VP Duterte

Published Jan 22, 2026 01:22 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte (Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte (Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN)
Malacañang called for national unity and sustained investor confidence following legal complaints filed against President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Jan. 22, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro acknowledged concerns about the implications of having legal cases involving the country’s two highest officials but said this should not undermine confidence in governance and the economy.
She urged investors and the public to remain calm and trust the country’s institutions, saying the rule of law remains intact.
“Sana manatili ang mga investors, ang mga kababayan po natin ay magtiwala sa ating Pangulo (We hope investors will stay and our countrymen to continue to trust the President),” she said.
Castro said the President is calling on Filipinos to focus on unity and nation-building rather than political divisions.
“Hindi lamang ang Pangulo, lahat po tayo ay dapat na magkaisa upang mas lalo pa nating patatagin ang ating bansa (Not only the President, but all of us must unite so we can further strengthen our country),” she said.

Trust in institutions

The Palace Press Officer said President Marcos respects the independence and capability of the Office of the Ombudsman in handling cases filed against public officials, including those involving the Vice President.
“Naniniwala ang Pangulo sa kakayahan ng Ombudsman at naniniwala sa katotohanan—kung sino ang dapat managot ay dapat managot (The President believes in the capability of the Ombudsman and in the truth—whoever should be held accountable must be held accountable),” she said.
She added that if accusations against any official are supported by facts, they should be properly investigated.
For his part, President Marcos is prepared to confront the complaint filed against him, adding that he is confident he did not violate any law or commit any impeachable offense.
“Muli, handa po siyang harapin ito dahil alam po niya na wala po siyang nalabag na anumang batas (Once again, he is ready to face this because he knows he did not violate any law),” Castro said.
She added that the President’s position has been consistent even before reports of the complaint surfaced.
“Kung sino iyong dapat na managot ay dapat na managot (Whoever should be held accountable must be held accountable),” Castro said.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Vice President Sara Duterte Sara Duterte Claire Castro
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