The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said there was an estimated 49,000 people at Luneta Park in Manila on September 21, 2025. Manila DRRMO release
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been monitoring the massive protests in various parts of the country denouncing corruption in flood control projects, the Palace said.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos Jr. also wants to hear the sentiments of the public, which is why he decided to skip the UN General Assembly in New York City.
“Unang-una to focus talaga on local issues at ito gusto niya talagang madinig personal ano ba ang sinasabi ng taumbayan dito,” she told ANC on Sunday, September 21.
(First of all, he wanted to focus on local issues and so he can personally hear what the people are saying)
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She also said that the people's sentiments on the flood control mess are welcome.
Castro added that even government employees are allowed to join the demonstrations.
“Ang bilin lamang ng Pangulo, kung kayo ay magpoprotesta, karapatan niyo po ‘yan, ‘wag lang pong lalabag sa batas,” she said.
(The President's only request is that if you are going to protest — that is your right — but do not break the law)
She also urged Filipinos to be patient with the process of investigating the flood control projects.
“And at the same time, hindi pwedeng ito lang, itong panahon lang ni Pangulong Marcos ang dapat na may makita kasi bumabalik sa nakaraan na mukhang yung iba kaya ayaw sa Pangulo ngayon, eh baka tamaan sila,” she added.
(At the same time, we cannot just focus on President Marcos Jr.'s term because it also seems like somof those critical of him now are that way because they fear being caught)
’NO RUMBLINGS’
Castro also said there are no monitored rumblings within the military amid reports that several retired generals joined the demonstrations in front of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“Tiwala ang Pangulo sa ating uniformed personnel, sa mga opisyal natin. So, alam niya na ang mga tao ay hindi naman anti-PBBM kundi anti-corruption,” she stated.
(The President has confidence in our uniformed personnel and our officers. He knows that people are against corruption and not against him)
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