Administration dismisses ‘de facto martial law’ claim, critics free to speak

Metro Manila, Philippines –  Malacañang brushed aside remarks that the country is under a “de facto martial law” as these assertions do not merit a response and critics are free to exercise their freedom of speech.

Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro made the remarks after Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste said martial law is virtually in effect with the administration silencing or intimidating critics or are selectively prosecuted.

“Not all wrong opinions deserve a response from the Palace. Iyon lang,” Castro said.

[Translation: Not all wrong opinions deserve a response from the Palace. That’s all.]

Pressed on whether Malacañang was concerned about the impact of such statements given Leviste’s following, Castro said members of the media are in a position to judge the claim.

“Unang-una po, mismong mga taga media, kayo po na miyembro ng MPC ay makakaramdam kung totoo po ba ang kaniyang mga sinasabi,” she said.

[Translation: First of all, the media themselves — you who are members of the Malacañang Press Corps — you could tell if what he is saying were true.]

Leviste said the administration is targeting critics who expose alleged corruption, while allies are spared. 

He described a climate of fear that allows laws and large government budgets to be approved without debate, drawing parallels to the martial law era of the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, father and namesake of the sitting president.

Levsite said critics are selectively charged while exposing corruption. In response, Castro said the president has not filed cases against his detractors despite their accusations.

“Kung may mga kritiko makikita naman po natin panay-panay ang pag-akusa, pagbibigay ng mga masasakit na salita na walang katotohanan sa pangulo pero ang pangulo mismo ay hindi po nagsasampa ng kaso,” she said.

[Translation: If there are critics, we see constant accusations and harsh words against the president that have no truth, yet the president himself does not file cases.] 

She added that accountability applies equally under the law.

“Kung lumalabag po sa batas ang sinumang mga nagsasalita o may ginagawang aksyon, nararapat lamang po na sila ay makasuhan dahil po may batas na umiiral sa atin,” Castro said.
[Translation: If anyone speaking or taking action violates the law, it is only proper that they be charged because of existing laws.]