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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Refrain from engaging in mudslinging, politicking amid energy woes, Palace says

Refrain from engaging in mudslinging, politicking amid energy woes, Palace says

Published Mar 30, 2026 08:29 pm
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Now is not the time for mudslinging and politicking while the country is reeling from the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East, Malacañang said.
"Ang kailangan lang natin ay magkaroon ng pag-unawa, pag-intindi at kumbaga lahat tayo dito ay magtutulungan (All we need is to have understanding, empathy, and, in a way, for all of us here to help one another),” Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a recent Palace press briefing.
“Iwasan na ng iba na ang manira, magbigay ng fake news dahil hindi ito panahon talaga ng pamumulitika (Others should refrain from tearing people down, spreading fake news because this is really not the time for politics),” Castro noted when asked about the present challenges and the expansion of the government's subsidy program.
The Palace official emphasized that the administration favors no one, underscoring the support provided to the Filipino public through measures such as MRT and LRT fare discounts, “libreng sakay,” and other forms of assistance.
“Nauna lang po talagang bigyan ang nasa transport sector dahil sila ang unang tinamaan at kailangang-kailangan nila ng ayuda pero ang Pangulo sinabi natin binabalanse lahat ang tulong sa ating mga kababayan (The transport sector was simply prioritized because they were the first to be affected and are in urgent need of assistance, but the President said that all aid to our fellow citizens is being balanced)," she noted.
Castro reiterated the government's responses to cushion the impacts of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East include the repatriation of more than 2,000 overseas Filipino workers, financial assistance to drivers and operators, discounts on toll and airfare and other fees, and ensuring the availability of affordable rice and opening more Kadiwa outlets.
Fuel and fertilizer subsidies were also handed over to farmers and fishermen, as well as free rice to local government units (LGUs).
President Marcos has also declared a national energy emergency to speed up government response, especially in purchasing petroleum products and ensuring coordinated response among government agencies. 

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President Marcos Middle East tension 2026 politics Claire Castro
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