(Photo courtesy of PCO)
MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday defended clearing operations near key venues of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, saying the measures are necessary to ensure the safety of visiting world leaders and foreign delegates.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is prioritizing security preparations for nearly 20 heads of state and other international dignitaries expected to attend the regional gathering.
“Ang Pangulo at ang administrasyon ay focus kung paano masasaayos at makukumpleto ang preparasyon na ito. Hindi lang para sa Pilipino kung hindi para ipakita sa buong mundo kung gaano kaprepara ang Pilipinas sa pagho-host ng ASEAN Summit,” Castro said during a press briefing.
She emphasized that the Philippines must demonstrate its ability to provide adequate security for foreign leaders while hosting a major international event.
“Malaking bagay po na maipakita natin na tayo ay isang bansa na makapagbibigay ng sapat na seguridad sa mga liderato na pupunta sa ating bansa,” she added.
Castro issued the statement after ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio criticized the administration’s clearing operations in Metro Manila ahead of the summit.
Tinio accused the government of displacing street vendors, homeless individuals and small business owners along major summit routes in Pasay City and Manila to “whitewash” the metropolis for the international gathering.
However, Castro rejected suggestions that the operations were merely intended to improve the appearance of the capital, noting that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) regularly conducts cleaning and clearing activities.
“Ang MMDA alam naman natin, Metro Manila ang pinag-uusapan natin, hindi naman sila tumitigil sa paglilinis ng ating mga lugar. At ang kalinisan ng ating lugar hindi lang gobyerno ang nagsasagawa kundi buong taumbayan,” she said.
The Palace official maintained that the preparations aim to ensure public safety while showcasing the country’s readiness and hospitality.
Castro also urged the public to recognize the potential benefits of hosting the ASEAN Summit rather than politicizing the government’s preparations.
Meanwhile, Malacañang assured the public that authorities would address possible transportation disruptions arising from planned protest activities, including a two-day transport strike by transport group PISTON beginning November 16.
Castro appealed to groups planning demonstrations to avoid holding protests during the arrival of foreign delegates.
“Kung anuman iyong maaapektuhan, kung may kinakailangan po na transportasyon na maaapektuhan noong gagawing pagra-rally, ito po ay tutugunan ng ating gobyerno,” she said.
She added that protesters have opportunities to express their concerns and encouraged them to consider the timing of their activities.
“Ang hiling lang naman, kayo ay may panahon, marami kayong panahon kung anong gusto ninyong sabihin sa gobyerno mas maganda po sana kung hindi itapat ito sa pagdating ng ating mga bisita. Ipakita natin ang tunay na kagandahang ugali ng mga Pilipino,” Castro said.
