Claire Castro denies having personal issues with Baguio City Mayor Magalong
MANILA — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Friday that she has no personal issues with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, claiming that they even shared a “power hug” while in an event in Malacañang.
Castro and Magalong have traded barbs in the past over issues related to the flood control controversy particularly his resignation as special adviser of the defunct Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
“Nagkataon po na nandoon siya noong nakausap po natin si Mayor Leni Robredo kaya lumapit po ako sa kaniya at nakipagkamay at mayroon pang big hug—may power hug kay Mayor Benjie Magalong,” Castro said in a press briefing Friday, November 6.
Magalong was among the attendees at the ceremonial turnover of the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program funds on Thursday, November 5 at the Malacañan Palace.
The Palace official added that she informed the mayor of her upcoming regional press briefing in Baguio and Benguet this month and that she will pay him a courtesy call in his office.
“Maraming-maraming salamat din at kami naman ay wala namang anumang issue na personal kung hindi mga isyung maaari lamang niyang masagot at maaari ko lang ding sagutin para sa katotohanan,” Castro stated.
Castro then shared to Palace reporters a selfie photo with Magalong during the event.
The Palace official also met with Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo who was among the attendees.
According to Castro, she personally sought Robredo to “give respects” and claimed that the mayor appreciated the expedited release and non-partisan distribution of the disaster rehab fund.
“Dati pa daw ang tagal-tagal talaga na manghingi ng mga pondo sa mga ganitong klase ng pagkakataon sa panahon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. nakita nila na pantay-pantay talaga – ‘yun ang kaniyang salita, pantay-pantay ang pagbibigay ng pondo at mas mabilis at mas nararamdaman lalung-lalo na sa Naga City,” Castro stated.
“Maraming salamat din sa pagbibigay nang ganiyang mensahe ni Mayor Leni Robredo sa ating Pangulo dahil doon lamang din mapapatunayan na ang ginagawa ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay hindi para lang i-please ang sinuman kung hindi para ito sa lahat ng bayan at bawat probinsiya,” she added.