Vancouver: Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Friday called for respect despite political differences after she was heckled by protesters while documenting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s official engagements here. Castro said she and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) director Robertzon Ramirez were filming a social media content to update the public on the President's activities in Canada when a Filipino approached them and shouted anti-Marcos remarks.
According to Philippines News Agency, the encounter interrupted their work as more protesters gathered and continued chanting against the President. Castro emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected, it should be exercised with courtesy and respect. "May freedom of expression tayo pero hindi naman kailangang maging bastos. Pilipino kayo, hindi naman ganyan ang ugali ng mga Pilipino eh (We have freedom of expression, but there is no need to be rude. You are Filipinos. That is not how Filipinos should behave)," Castro said.
Castro reported that she was also called "pangit" (ugly) and "sinungaling" (liar). She recalled feeling uneasy and somewhat threatened after the group followed them. "Hindi ko alam kung mananakit sila or what. Kasi parang siguro 'yung grupo naman nila parang kung sino man yung ini-idolo nila, parang sanay sa bayolente (I don't know if they intended to hurt us or whoever their idol is, it felt like they are used to violence)," she said. They later approached police officers they encountered after crossing the street.
Castro appealed to Filipinos to engage in civil discourse despite differing political views, saying respect should prevail even amid disagreements. "Hindi kami nagbabakasyon dito (We are not here on vacation). We're just doing our job," she said. "Kung ganyan talaga ang magiging ugali ng Pilipino, hindi kayo uunlad. So kawawa pa rin kayo (If that is really how Filipinos will behave, you will not progress. In the end, you will only hurt yourselves)," Castro added.
Castro is part of the official Philippine delegation accompanying Marcos during his four-day official visit here.
