By Lane Afable, News Editor
The Palace on Monday denied allegations made by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte that an “undeclared martial law” is in effect under the Marcos administration, maintaining that press freedom and civil liberties remain protected.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro defended the administration’s record on civil rights, by personally asking the press corps to gauge the true state of media freedom in the country.
“Unang-una po, kayo po ang makakaramdam, kayong mga taga-media, kung mayroon po bang mga implied martial law na nagaganap (First of all, you in the media would be the ones to feel if there is an implied martial law taking place),” she said at a press briefing.
“Ang pagbibigay ng kalayaan at hindi pagsawata at hindi pagkitil sa mga taga-media at iba nating mga kababayan ng kanilang karapatan lalung-lalo na itong freedom of the press and freedom of expression, hindi po ito sinasawata ng Pangulo (The granting of freedom, and not suppressing or stifling the rights of the media and our fellow citizens, especially freedom of the press and freedom of expression—the President does not suppress these),” she added.
Castro was responding to claims made by Duterte over the weekend, where the local official alleged that dissent and political opposition are increasingly being suppressed across the country.
“Mas naramdaman ito sa panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte. Marami ang mga taga-media na tumutol sa ginagawang pagkitil ng freedom of the press and freedom of expression sa panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte (This was felt more during the time of [his father] former President [Rodrigo] Duterte. Many from the media opposed the suppression of freedom of the press and freedom of expression during former President Duterte’s time),” she said.
Zero budget debunked
Meanwhile, Castro also debunked claims made by Mayor Duterte’s brother, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, that his locality received “zero budget” from the national government over the past four years, citing official data showing billions of pesos in released funding.
Castro labeled the lawmaker’s allegations as false, presenting an official breakdown from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) covering fiscal years 2023 to 2026.
“According to records for fiscal year 2023 to 2026, as of May 17, Davao City received at least PHP7.856 billion in national government support for programs and projects. This includes national tax allotment. It will also include special shares, fire code fees, and regular operating requirements,” she said.
Castro further detailed that the bulk of the funding, amounting to PHP7.440 billion, was channeled through various national government agencies (NGAs) for crucial localized infrastructure and social services.
“Including farm-to-market roads, health facilities, justice and civil defense facilities, PRC infrastructure, DPWH infrastructure programs, basic education facilities, the DSWD 11 learning institute, and the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project,” she said.
“And [an] additional PHP146.21 million came from LGSF [Local Government Support Fund] project type support, including financial assistance to LGUs, the barangay development program, and the Green, Green, Green Program.”
Castro also fired back at Duterte’s assertion that ongoing questions surrounding Davao City’s massive flood mitigation and infrastructure funding are merely driven by “political harassment”.
“Sa totoo, sabi po niya ‘di ba, umamin naman po siya na nagkaroon ng PHP51 billion na inilaan para sa Davao City para sa flood control projects, pero bakit nga ba bumabaha pa rin sa Davao City? (In truth, he said it himself, right? He admitted that PHP51 billion was allocated to Davao City for flood control projects, but why is Davao City still flooding),” she said.
Castro emphasized that contrary to the narratives being floated by political detractors, the Marcos administration continues to equitably prioritize the development and welfare of Davao City and its residents.
