President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will no longer push through with his scheduled visit to the United States for the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Malacañang confirmed Tuesday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that the decision was not due to threats to the President’s life, except for a previous one made by Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Wala po na direct threat sa buhay ng Pangulo pero hindi po sila magiging kampante sa pagsiguro at bigyan ng seguridad ang buhay ng Pangulo,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
Instead, Marcos opted to remain in the country to focus on pressing domestic issues, particularly controversies involving flood control projects and the rising prices of basic goods.
“Lalo na kabubuo pa lamang ng ICI (Independent Commission for Infrastructure) at ito’y dapat matutukan ng Pangulo para mas mabilis na pag-aksiyon sa mga nari-report na maanomalyang flood control projects,” Castro said.
She also dismissed speculations that the withdrawal was linked to the planned Sept. 21 anti-corruption rallies, stressing that Marcos welcomes such movements.
“Hindi naman po nangangamba ang Pangulo dahil alam po niya na ang pagpuprotesta ng taumbayan ay tungkol sa paglaban sa korapsiyon… kung hindi siya presidente, malamang ay makakasama rin siya sa pagprotesta laban sa korapsiyon,” she said.