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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Castro hits back at Leviste: 'It's just right for law violators to be charged'

Castro hits back at Leviste: 'It's just right for law violators to be charged'

Published Jan 27, 2026 02:57 pm
Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste (left), PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro (Facebook, PPA)
Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste (left), PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro (Facebook, PPA)
Malacañang on Tuesday, Jan. 27, dismissed Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste's accusation that those who speak against the administration are being targeted and charged after exposing corruption activities in the country.
President Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said it was only right for anybody violating the law to be investigated or face charges.
Her remarks came after Leviste, who has been pushing for the release of the so-called Cabral files, decried that he became the subject of an investigation in relation to the solar franchise linked to him just because of his exposes on ghost flood control projects.
“Kung may mga kritiko makikita naman po natin panay-panay ang pag-akusa, pagbibigay ng mga masasakit na salita na walang katotohanan sa Pangulo pero ang Pangulo mismo ay hindi po nagsasampa ng kaso (Even though there are critics who constantly throw accusations and hurtful, baseless words at the President, the President himself doesn't file any cases against them),” he said.
“Kung lumalabag po sa batas ang sinumang mga nagsasalita o may ginagawang aksiyon nararapat lamang po na sila ay makasuhan dahil po may batas na umiiral sa atin (If anyone who is speaking or taking action is violating the law, it is only right that they be charged because we have existing laws),” he added.
In a video message on Monday night, Jan. 26, Leviste also claimed that the Philippines was already under a "de facto martial law.”
Many critics are now being silent as they see those who speak against the government are facing retribution, he added.
“Not all wrong opinions deserve a response from the Palace,” Castro said in response.
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