President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. remains unfazed by negative remarks directed at him following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said Monday.
During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro was asked how the government distinguishes between free speech and incitement to rebellion or sedition, given the recent gatherings expressing strong support for Duterte.
“As we can say, the president is not onion skinned, okay. Usually po, hindi po siya nadadala ng ganyan pero kapag po nandoon na po iyong elemento ng inciting to sedition which is of course without any tumultuous uprising but they are encouraging people to sow hatred to the government, to the President then we have to step up,” Castro stated.
She clarified that while the administration is not concerned about public criticism, it would take action if statements or protests cross the line into sedition.
Government’s Stance on Protests
Castro emphasized that the government would only intervene by filing legal complaints if necessary.
“But as of the moment, there is no indication on the part of the President that he will do that,” she added.
Regarding the rallies held in support of Duterte, Castro described them as normal expressions of sentiment and assured that the government would not suppress such demonstrations. However, she cautioned that these activities should not escalate to a level that could be considered seditious.
“Hindi po natin mawawala sa kanilang damdamin, iyan po ay normal dahil mayroon pong naging pangyayari sa kanilang malamang iniidolo at panatiko po sila ng isang leader,” she said.
“Hindi po natin pipigilan ang pagsasabi ng kanilang mga damdamin huwag lang po sigurong lalagpas na magkakaroon po ng alarma at masasabi po natin na iyan po ay sedition or inciting to sedition na po,” she added.
Over the weekend, rallies were held across the country to show support for Duterte amid his legal battle before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte was arrested last Tuesday upon arriving in Manila from Hong Kong after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him for crimes against humanity.
