President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed that all those who instigated chaos and resorted to violence during Sunday’s otherwise peaceful rally will be held accountable, while reiterating solidarity with the people’s call to expose and end corruption in government projects.

In a Malacanang press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the vast majority of demonstrators exercised their right to peaceful assembly. However, the protest in Mendiola was marred by a few individuals who created havoc.

“Peaceful rally, nasamahan lang ng iilang nais manggulo. Mananagot ang lahat. Iyan ang nais ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa lahat ng sino mang gumamit ng karahasan sa naganap na peaceful rally noong Linggo,” Castro said.

Castro said that as a public servant, President Marcos hears and respects the people’s clamor for accountability, having himself initiated exposing anomalies in flood control projects.

“Hindi siya naging hadlang sa malaking protesta, naglahad ng galit ang tao laban sa korapsyon. Ngunit kinukondena ng administrasyong ito at ng Pangulo ang paggamit ng mga kabataan na gawing mga tulisan ng mga grupong itinatago ang mukha sa likod ng itim na maskara,” the Palace Press Officer said.

Castro said the President would not allow acts of violence to overshadow the legitimate airing of public outrage against corruption.

“Team Itim kung maituturing, hindi sila raliyista na may lehitimong adhikain laban sa korapsyon kung hindi gumawa lang ng karahasan, magnakaw, manunog at manira,” said Castro.

“Hindi kayo makakalagpas sa kamay ng batas at ang mga tao sa inyong likuran na gumamit sa inyo ? mga gahaman sa kapangyarihan. Hindi kayo dapat paligtasin. Hustisya ang uusig sa inyo.”

Castro said as the President himself initiated the probe into alleged irregularities, the administration remains firm in pursuing transparency and accountability.

Castro also assured the public that the government would continue what has been started, working alongside citizens who are brave enough to shed light on corruption. Presidential News Desk