‍MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s serenade for First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during her birthday celebration was not held at the height of the heavy rains and flooding that affected Metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the clarification following criticism over videos circulating online showing the President singing during the First Lady’s post-birthday celebration.

The event was held on August 26, days after the First Lady turned 67 on August 21.

Castro said the President had already attended to his official duties before joining the private celebration that evening.

She added that while Marcos spent time with his family, he continued monitoring weather conditions and developments that could affect the public.

“Hindi po iyan ang katotohanan. At the time na nagkaroon ng paghaharana ang Pangulo, gabi po ‘yan matapos na magtrabaho ang Pangulo,” Castro said.

According to the Palace official, the serenade did not take place during the height of the heavy rains or severe flooding in Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

The Palace also acknowledged the disappointment expressed by some members of the public who viewed the President’s appearance at the celebration as insensitive amid the effects of the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

Castro said Malacañang understands the criticism, particularly from those who believed the celebration coincided wit the worst of the flooding.

“Doon po sa mga nagkaroon ng kanilang disappointment dahil insensitive, hindi po natin sila masisisi kung iyon ang dumating sa kanila na narrative. So naiintindihan po namin kayo dahil iba po iyong kuwentong naipalabas,” she said.

Malacañang maintained that Marcos did not neglect his duties and continued monitoring the situation while government agencies responded to communities affected by the bad weather.

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