Malacañang tightens security for anti-corruption rallies amid Marcos-linked allegations

Malacañang on Nov. 16 stepped up security amid expected rallies, amid heightened attention following former congressman Zaldy Co’s allegations linking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to hundred-billion-peso budget insertions.

Container vans, barbed wire, and concrete barriers have been installed along J. P. Laurel Street to better control vehicle flow and ensure proper checks before entering Malacañang.

In an interview with Super Radyo DZBB, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said authorities have put in place sufficient security measures to prevent a repeat of the Sept. 21 Mendiola protest disturbances.

“Tingin ko sapat na ‘yung ginagawa nila ngayong preparasyon. Kung ano man ang isasarang gate diyan, I think enough na ‘yan…to give protection and the same para maiwasan ‘yung gulo,” Castro said, referring to the closure of Solano and Arlegui gates during the protests.

On November 12, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced it had deployed over 16,000 police personnel for the protests.

“Hindi lang naman din ang Malacañang ang pinoprotesyunan dito eh. Maraming taong maaaring idamay. Tulad nung nakaraan, may mga dinamay silang ibang mga tao…establisyimento. So I think ready ang kapulisan natin sa ganyang klaseng mga aktibidad,” she added.

The undersecretary assured the public that President Marcos Jr. will continue his routine duties throughout the week despite the ongoing anti-corruption rallies, emphasizing that government operations will not be disrupted.

Castro also noted that the president remains attentive to public sentiment and will monitor developments during the protests.

Last week, Co claimed in a video that he colluded with Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to facilitate anomalous insertions in the 2025 national budget.