Malacañang has accused Sen. Imee Marcos of going beyond the spread of fake news and instead "sowing hatred" against the government following her criticism of the administration during an Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally on June 30.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after the Presidential Sister accused the Marcos administration of getting drunk on power and losing its focus on important issues.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, July 1, Castro said the senator's remarks were intended to intensify public anger toward the government and spread false narratives about President Marcos and his administration.

"Hindi lang ito pagkakalat ng fake news, paghahasik nga ng poot sa ating mga kababayan (This is not merely spreading fake news; this is sowing hatred among our fellow Filipinos)," she said.

"Hindi lang ito simpleng paninira. Hindi ito simpleng pagbibigay at pagkakalat ng fake news — paghahasik ito ng poot (This is not simple criticism and not merely spreading fake news — it is sowing hatred)," she added.

The Palace official said the PCO, as the government's lead agency in fighting disinformation, viewed the senator's statements as baseless attacks against the administration.

"Namutawi kay Sen. Imee Marcos ang mga salitang magpapaigting ng galit sa gobyerno — ang paninira sa Pangulo at sa gobyernong ito (Sen. Imee Marcos uttered words meant to intensify anger against the government — attacks against the President and this administration)," Castro said.

She described as "pitiful" those who rely on false information to discredit the government.

"Nakakaawa. Nakakaawa ang mga obstructionist na tulad ng isang senadora. Nagri-rely, gumagamit ng fake news para makapanira lamang at para maikalat ang mga ganitong klaseng maling impormasyon (It is unfortunate to see obstructionists like a senator relying on fake news simply to attack and spread this kind of misinformation)," she said.

Castro also said the Palace sees politics behind the senator's recent criticisms of the administration.

"Obviously, halatang-halata (Obviously, it is very clear)," she said when asked if politics was behind the remarks.

"Alam naman natin kung sino ang kaniyang ipinagtatanggol at sino ba ang nais niyang hindi na sana mailagay sa isang paglilitis (We know who she is defending and who she does not want to see placed on trial)," Castro added.

The Palace Press Officer said Sen. Marcos was doing this in support of Vice President Sara Duterte.

"Ano ba ang nais nilang mangyari? Noon pa naman niya nais umalis sa posisyon ang Pangulo para... for what? Para iluklok ang kaniyang kaibigan, ang Bise Presidente (What do they want to happen? She has long wanted the President removed from office for what? To install her friend, the Vice President)," she said.

The Palace likewise rejected Sen. Marcos’ claims that the government had neglected farmers and fisherfolk.

Castro cited several assistance programs recently implemented by the administration, including livelihood grants distributed to 186 fisherfolk in Pangasinan on June 30 and food assistance extended to 703 farmers and fisherfolk in Camiguin earlier this month.

She also pointed to previous initiatives launched by President Marcos aimed at strengthening support for the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

"So, ano po ang kaniyang basehan sa pagsasabing hindi tumutulong ang gobyerno sa mga magsasaka at sa mga mangingisda natin (So what is her basis for saying that the government is not helping our farmers and fisherfolk)?" Castro said.

The Palace also questioned why Sen. Marcos allegedly remained silent on controversies during the previous administration but had become more vocal now.

Castro cited former president Rodrigo Duterte's admission regarding illegal drug use, allegations of ghost projects, and longstanding issues surrounding flood control projects.

She also noted that the late House deputy speaker Rolando Andaya Jr. had already raised concerns about questionable flood control projects as early as 2018.

"Nasaan siya? Nagpaimbestiga ba siya (Where was she? Did she call for an investigation)?" Castro asked.

"So, ang nakakataka lamang, bakit noong panahon kaya ni dating Pangulong Duterte siya ay nanahimik at ngayon lamang siya nag-iingay habang ang kaniyang kapatid — si Pangulong Marcos Jr. — ay masigasig na mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot (What is puzzling is why she remained silent during the Duterte administration and is only speaking out now when her brother, President Marcos Jr., is actively trying to hold accountable those who should be held accountable)," she added.

Despite the strong remarks, Castro said President Marcos would not order any investigation against his sister.

"Hindi mag-uutos ang Pangulo na imbestigahan ang kaniyang kapatid (The President will not order an investigation of his sister)," she said.

However, Castro noted that authorities have the mandate to investigate if they deem it necessary.

"Nasa authority na iyan kung kinakailangang imbestigahan si Sen. Imee Marcos. Hindi po tayo mag-uutos; obligasyon po nilang mag-imbestiga (That is within their authority if Sen. Imee Marcos needs to be investigated. We will not order it; it is their obligation to investigate)," she said.

Castro added that while she had not yet spoken with the President about the senator's remarks, she was certain he was aware of the issue.

"Updated naman ang Pangulo sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran (The President remains updated on what is happening around him)," she said.