Palace explains Marcos’ singing video: He didn’t party at height of habagat rains

September 1, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not party and serenade First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at the height of the heavy rains from the southwest monsoon, Malacanang said on Tuesday.

The Palace issued the response following a viral video taken by Vigan City mayor Jose Singson Jr., in which Marcos was seen greeting his wife on her birthday and singing her a song.

Netizens criticized the President for having fun amid the floods that hit many parts of Luzon.

“Naganap po ang pagharana ng Pangulo, kay First Lady, hindi po ito iyong kasagsagan noong malakas na ulan, hindi po ito kasagsagan ng pagbaha,” Castro said.

She said the video was taken out of context by his detractors and “obstructionists.”

Castro added that the video was taken at night, when the President was already done with his duties.

She said she understood why some people would see the video as insensitive, if this was the narrative that they were led to believe.

“Kung nagharana man ang Pangulo, para sa kanyang asawa at mga kasama ang ilang malalapit na kamag-anak, kaunting oras lang po ang ibinigay ng Pangulo, para sa kanyang pamilya,” Castro added.