Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Tuesday said Senator Imee Marcos’ controversial remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were “planned” and “scripted,” dismissing suggestions that the senator acted out of emotion during a recent public rally.
In an interview on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” Castro confirmed that the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos saw the senator’s live speech, where she accused the couple of illegal drug use.
“They were shocked,” Castro said. “Not shocked that she could attempt to discredit them, but shocked that she could go that far and lie about her own brother.”
Castro identified the illegal drug accusation as the specific claim the administration considers false.
“That allegation has long been debunked,” she said. “These lies are repeated because critics cannot find anything negative about the President.”
She also questioned why the senator raised the issue during a peace rally that was intended to highlight alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
“Why attack the President in an event meant to condemn corruption?” Castro said.
Imee’s Rally Speech: ‘Planado’
Furthermore, Castro rejected the idea that Senator Marcos’ remarks stemmed from emotion or spontaneity, saying the lawmaker was visibly reading from a prepared text.
“She was holding a script,” Castro said. “She repeated words, stumbled on some lines — indicators that her statement was prepared.”
The PCO official also suggested that the timing of the senator’s remarks may be connected to ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
“The President is investigating these anomalies,” Castro said. “We don’t know her exact motive, but what is clear is that her intent here was to discredit her brother.”
According to Castro, the Palace is not considering legal action against the senator.
“I did not witness anger,” she said. “But as a sibling, who wouldn’t be hurt?”
Instead, Castro said the administration prefers a non-confrontational response.
“Let us pray for her,” she said. “Pray that her thoughts and emotions find peace.”
