Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said it sees no security threat to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. despite his decision to cancel his morning engagements on Tuesday, June 30, and monitor the surprise protest of tens of thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo members on EDSA.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president was immediately informed of the gathering and spent the morning monitoring its impact, particularly on commuters, workers and emergency responders affected by the massive traffic congestion on the busy highway.
“Wala pong nakikitang threat dahil alam naman po ng pangulo na ang kanyang ginagawa ay para sa taumbayan,” she said.
[Translation: The president sees no threat because he knows that what he is doing is for the people.]
Castro said Marcos canceled his scheduled activities not because of a direct threat to his safety but to closely monitor the situation and ensure the government could respond appropriately.
She acknowledged that the demonstration had a significant impact on the public, saying the surprise nature of the protest disrupted traffic and affected workers, students, businesses and patients trying to reach hospitals.
Despite saying there was no threat to the president, Castro explained that security measures around Malacañang were heightened as a precaution.
“Para po mas maproteksiyunan ang mga nandito sa loob… dapat nating proteksiyunan at ito po ay parte na po ng seguridad,” she said.
[Translation: This is to better protect those inside… We have to protect the Palace, and this is part of standard security measures.]
The Philippine National Police has been directed to exercise maximum tolerance while working to restore normal traffic flow and maintain public safety, Castro said.
She added that authorities remain on full alert to protect protesters, the public and law enforcement personnel.
The Palace also maintained that the president respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but said protests should not unduly burden the public or violate existing laws. Officials are still assessing whether any laws were violated during the rally and whether those responsible should be held accountable.
