The Philippine presidential palace has pushed back against criticism over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos celebrating her birthday while severe flooding affected parts of the country, according to Bilyonaryo.com.
The defense comes as the palace also confirmed that Marcos is closely tracking the situation caused by the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat," which has triggered widespread flooding. The Philippine News Agency reports that the president has ordered swift aid distribution to affected communities.
Palace officials stressed that the president remains focused on monitoring conditions and ensuring assistance reaches those in need, even as the birthday event drew public scrutiny. The Manila Bulletin similarly noted that Marcos is keeping tabs on Filipinos affected by the flooding, with the palace saying he is actively engaged in the response effort.
The flooding has prompted broader discussions about long-term solutions. SunStar Publishing Inc. reports that officials are studying the construction of five Sabo River dams and upstream reservoirs in Central Luzon, an initiative aimed at converting floodwater into a usable resource rather than a recurring hazard.
The criticism over the birthday celebration highlights the delicate balance leaders face during natural disasters, when public perception of priorities can shift quickly. While the palace has defended the event, the focus now remains on the government's response to the flooding and whether planned infrastructure projects move forward to mitigate future risks.
