Those who are raising their eyebrows over the planned launch of a rocket by the Philippines next year should stop doing so, a Palace official said.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro defended the plan, announced by President Marcos in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), to launch a rocket into space from Cagayan next year, saying it is part of the country's progress.

Castro stressed that critics should not hinder the President's efforts to advance the nation's progress.

"Iyong mga tumataas ang kilay, ibaba na nila. Ang iangat natin at ang iakyat natin at ang itaas natin ay ang mga naisin ng Pangulo para sa bansa at para sa taumbayan (Those who are raising their eyebrows should stop doing so. What we should be lifting and supporting are the President's aspirations for the country and for the Filipino people)," she said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, July 29.

"Huwag na silang magsilbing balakid sa mga ninanais ng Pangulo sa pag-asenso ng ating bansa (They should stop being obstacles to the President's efforts to advance our nation's progress)," she added.

This came in response to criticisms that Marcos should instead focus on more pressing issues, such as the classroom shortage and the country's healthcare system.

Castro assured the public that the President is addressing these concerns.

"At kung sila po ay nakinig sa Pangulo at nakikita po nila ang lahat ng programa, ito po naman ay tinutugunan ng ating Pangulo. Hindi pa po tapos ang obligasyon ng ating Pangulo sa pag-usad ng ating bansa, nandidiyan pa rin po, tuluy-tuloy ang pagtatrabaho (If they listened to the President and saw all of the programs being implemented, they would know that these concerns are being addressed by the President. His work to move the country forward is not yet finished. He remains committed, and the work continues)," she said.

When asked what gains the country could get from launching a rocket, the Palace spokesperson said it is part of the country's progress.

"Ito po ay isang parte ng pag-asenso ng bansa. Common, common sense (This is all part of the country's progress. It's common sense)," she said.

In his SONA on Monday, July 27, Marcos announced that the Philippines will soon launch a rocket in partnership with South Korea.

"Cagayan is both geographically and economically primed to serve as our gateway to space and host the country’s first spaceport," Marcos said, receiving applause from officials and guests at the Batasang Pambansa. 

"A sounding rocket launch test is slated for next year," Marcos announced. "Yes, we are going to launch a rocket into space."