Manila, Philippines — July 18, 2025 — Malacañang reaffirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains open to all meaningful suggestions and recommendations aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos.
This statement was made by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro during a press briefing at Malacañang, in response to the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) claim that the administration is allegedly not supporting the funding of its programs and projects.
According to Castro, “The administration always welcomes meaningful proposals, including those from the OVP. Any initiative that seeks to serve the public will never be disregarded by the President.”
She added that President Marcos is ready to listen to suggestions from all sectors, including Vice President Sara Duterte. However, Castro also recalled an instance when the Vice President claimed she knew the “formula” to lower the price of rice in the Philippines, but chose not to share it with the government.
“According to VP Sara herself, she refused to disclose this solution because she didn’t want to help the administration,” Castro said. “This indicates that the alleged obstruction of her efforts does not come from the government or President Marcos.”
Amid the issue surrounding the OVP’s funding, Malacañang emphasized that any genuine initiative to help the public is welcomed and considered by the administration, regardless of its source.
