Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday defended First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ attendance at a book launch and musical event in Malacañang amid criticism that the events were tone-deaf as the height of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi).
Ms. Marcos attended the book launch of Philippine First Ladies’ Portraits on Nov. 6 and a Goldenberg Concert Series musical event on Nov. 7. Photos of the events were shared on her social media accounts.
Critics said hosting or attendance to these events while towns and cities were submerged in floodwaters was insensitive.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, “Tino” left 232 people dead, with 112 missing and 532 injured, and affected a number of provinces that included Cebu, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Agusan del Sur.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the events were cultural and not frivolous.
“Ito po ay hindi isang party na pansarili lamang; hindi po ito pagpunta sa resort para mag-swimming,” Castro said.
[Translation: This was not a private party; it wasn’t a trip to a resort to go swimming.]
Castro also sounded a subtle criticism of other public figures.
“Ito ay hindi tungkol sa pagsusuot ng costume tulad ng Snow White sa isang party,” she said.
[Translation: This is not about wearing costumes like Snow White to a party.]
The Palace official added that the events highlighted the accomplishments of past first ladies and promoted Filipino talent.
“This in itself is a recognition of our fellow Filipinos while the president and other Cabinet secretaries are responding to the needs of our countrymen,” Castro said.
“Each has its own responsibility, each has its own obligation, so no criticism should be given to whatever the first lady does to raise and elevate the intellectual capacity of our countrymen,” she added.
[Translation: Each has their own responsibilities and obligations, so no criticism should be directed at what the First Lady does to promote and elevate the abilities of our fellow Filipinos.]
The Palace said the president and Cabinet secretaries attended to urgent needs, while the first lady’s cultural and educational activities did not interfere with government response to the calamity.
