Malacañang has issued a firm denial regarding President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s alleged involvement in a purported kickback scheme linked to government flood control projects. In a press briefing held on Friday, February 13, 2026, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro categorically dismissed accusations that the President possessed any direct knowledge or information concerning irregularities in these critical infrastructure initiatives.
Baseless Allegations Aimed at Undermining Trust
Castro labeled the claims as a deliberate and clear falsehood designed to tarnish the President's reputation and erode public confidence in the administration. She emphasized that such unfounded attacks should not be weaponized to weaken the people's trust in their government.
"The President is currently focused on working towards the development of our nation. Any baseless defamation should not be used as a tool to undermine the public's trust in our government," Castro stated, reinforcing the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability.
Response to Text Message Allegations
The official's remarks came in response to reports of an alleged exchange of text messages between President Marcos and former Presidential Legislative Liaison Office chief Adrian Bersamin. These messages were said to contain details suggesting the President's awareness of the kickback scheme. However, Castro did not provide a direct or categorical statement addressing the specific accusations against Marcos.
"How can we give a proper or intelligent answer if we haven't seen anything?" she questioned, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence presented to support the allegations.
Respect for Congressional Investigation
Despite the denials, Castro affirmed that Malacañang respects the Congress's plan to initiate an investigation into the alleged communication records between Marcos and Bersamin. This move underscores the administration's willingness to cooperate with legislative oversight processes.
No Coercion of Former Officials
When asked if President Marcos intends to compel former officials implicated in the controversy to testify and provide clarity on the issue, Castro clarified that no such coercion would be exercised. The Palace maintains that any testimony should be voluntary, aligning with principles of due process and respect for individual rights.
The unfolding scandal continues to cast a shadow over the government's flood control projects, with stakeholders calling for thorough investigations to ensure integrity in public spending. As the situation develops, the administration's handling of these allegations will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
