Vancouver: Malaca±ang on Friday (Canada time) reminded protesters, including Filipinos abroad, that public demonstrations must be grounded on facts, stressing that freedom of expression should always go hand in hand with responsibility. In a press briefing at the Sutton Place Hotel here, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration respects the right to peaceful assembly but cautioned against actions that could misrepresent the country or undermine its image without factual basis.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro issued the statement in response to protests staged not only by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines but also by overseas Filipinos in Canada, where President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is on a four-day official visit. Castro said the government recognizes protests as a normal part of democratic societies, both in the Philippines and abroad.

She, however, emphasized that criticisms should be supported by evidence and not used to tarnish the country's reputation abroad. 'Hindi ba dapat minamahal natin ang sarili nating bansa, hindi sa pamamagitan ng walang basehan. Huwag nilang sirain ang sarili nating bansa (Shouldn't we love our own country, and not tarnish it through baseless claims? We should not destroy our own nation),' Castro said.

She noted that while citizens are free to express grievances, such freedoms should not be misused to spread unverified claims. She reiterated that the administration welcomes constructive criticism but rejects what it considers baseless accusations.

'Lahat ng nagpu-protesta, kung lahat kayo ay may ebidensya, kayo po ay malaya (All those who are protesting - if you all have evidence, you are free to speak),' she said. 'Although may freedom of expression, lahat nang kanilang sinasabi ngayon ay walang basehan kundi puro mga ingay lamang (Although there is freedom of expression, what they are saying now has no basis and is nothing but noise).'