The Palace declined to entertain former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson’s challenge to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to a debate on alleged government corruption.

In RH 14 Leth Narciso’s report on Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that debate is not the solution to corruption. Instead, the solution would be action aimed at holding those who have stolen from the Filipino people accountable, something the President is already doing.

Marcos’ directive to investigate all anomalous projects, including flood control projects, was made clear—no one was to be exempt from it, she said.

Castro added that the country is in need of good governance that acts not simply for media attention.

The press officer emphasized that Marcos was not pretending to be a hero but simply fulfilling his obligations by cleaning out the corrupt from the government and defending the interests of the Filipino people.

On Monday, Singson appealed to Filipinos to stage a “one-time, big-time” protest against corruption.