1 month ago
12
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
May 6, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Amid all the political noise, President Marcos and members of his Cabinet received “spiritual guidelines” during a retreat at Malacañang over the weekend.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the retreat was led by Fr. Tito Caluag, executive director of Caritas Philippines.
“Yes, they were gathered last Saturday and of course they were given spiritual guidelines for their work, not just as a public servant but as an individual,” Castro said in Filipino during a press briefing.
“And (Education) Secretary Sonny Angara will never forget what the President said, I quote ‘No help or favor is too small for the public and for a secretary of the department, God is in the details’, end quote,” Castro said.
“So, it was a good thing that happened because first of all, it was a very light moment and there was spiritual guidance,” she said.
The retreat was held more than a week before the midterm elections.
Asked whether the President made specific instructions to his officials, Castro said: “Of course, what should be implemented for the people. But, aside from that, what happened is more on spiritual guidance.”
Angara, who was among those who attended the retreat, shared photos of the spiritual gathering on Facebook. Angara captioned his photos: “The boss leading by example,” referring to the President.
He also described the gathering as a “spiritual and planning session.”
“Thank you, Fr. Tito Caluag, for always reminding us of what matters and ma’am FL (First Lady) Liza Marcos (kahit wala po kayo mukhang may kinalaman kayo lol),” Angara said in his post followed by folded hands, a peace sign and Philippine flag emojis.
Other Cabinet members present were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Presidential Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Human Settlements and Urban Development chief Jerry Acuzar, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Science Secretary Renato Solidum, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Also present were Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Socioeconomic planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda.
Malacañang, meanwhile, parried Vice President Sara Duterte’s fresh attacks against the Marcos administration, accusing her of peddling “fake news” and dismissing her claims of politicking as “excuses.”
Duterte, former running mate-turned-arch critic of President Marcos, recently described as a political attack the allegations against her brother Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte, who has been accused of headbutting and threatening a businessman in Davao City last February.
Paolo, who has been charged with physical injuries and grave threats, said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint. — Alexis Romero
