Palace respects Pampanga gov’s call for prayer, but says gov’t must still do its job

September 1, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Malacañang said it respects Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda’s call for Filipinos to pray to God amid recent disasters, but stressed that the government still has to carry out its responsibilities to the public.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro made the remarks after Pineda said no one can stop the floods except God.

“Igagalang po natin kung anong mensahe mismo ni Governor Pineda dahil siya po ang nakakaramdam nito. Wala naman po sigurong masama kung talagang sama-sama rin tayong mananalangin dahil sabi nga po natin isa sa mga dahilan ng ganitong klaseng unos ay climate change — isa lamang ito sa maraming factors,” Castro said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

She agreed with the Pampanga governor that it would be difficult for the government to solve problems alone, as citizens’ cooperation is direly needed.

She reassured Filipinos that no one will be left behind, but the government needs their collaboration and compliance with laws in order to find solutions to problems.

“Ang gobyerno po ay laging nandidiyan, ang pagbibigay ng ayuda ay nandidiyan. Pero kailangan din po kayo ng gobyerno para mas gumaan ang nararanasan nating mga delubyo, kasi kayo rin po ay may responsibilidad para sa ating pamahalaan,” Castro added.