‘President Marcos watched INC rally’

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos stayed at Malacañang yesterday and monitored the rally of religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Manila supposedly to call for “transparency, accountability and justice” for the corruption in flood control projects.

“Yes, the President is monitoring today,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez told reporters in a text message, adding that Marcos was in Malacañang.

No other details were provided by Gomez.

Heightened security has been implemented inside and outside the Palace complex since Friday.

The President had no public engagements yesterday.

PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro, meanwhile, brushed aside calls for Marcos’ resignation, saying the Chief Executive has been doing his job for a long time to “fix and clean the mess left by the previous one.”

“Let us not forget that President Marcos Jr. initiated this in-depth investigation so the people could see that he is one with them in combating corruption,” Castro said in a statement sent to reporters.

She said she believes those who want the President’s ouster are those affected by the investigation and their supporters.

“The evidence is coming out, so let’s not let Team Itim, who are sowing darkness in the government and who want to stop holding those involved accountable, darken this again,” Castro said.

Itim or black was the theme of Vice President Sara Duterte’s campaign ad, endorsing the candidacy of her ally, Marcos’ sister, Sen. Imee Marcos in the last senatorial elections.