Malacanang on Tuesday affirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to skip the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York City next week reflects on his commitment to prioritize pressing domestic concerns, assuring that there is no direct threat to his life.

“Maliban po sa naging pagbabanta dati ng Bise Presidente sa buhay ng Pangulo, base po sa National Security Council ADG (Assistant Director General) Cornelio Valencia, wala po na direct threat sa buhay ng Pangulo,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing.

Despite the absence of a specific threat, Castro noted that measures are in place and security forces remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of the President.

“Pero hindi po sila magiging kampante sa pagsiguro at bigyan ng seguridad ang buhay ng Pangulo,” Castro added.

Malacanang on Monday announced that President Marcos has delegated his UNGA engagements to Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro “to allow him to focus on local issues.”

When asked if the anti-corruption demonstrations planned during the weekend factored into the President’s decision not to attend the UNGA, Castro said the Chief Executive is not worried about the mass actions since he initiated the investigation into massive anomalies in flood control projects.

“Hindi naman po nangangamba ang Pangulo dahil alam po niya na ang pagpuprotesta ng taumbayan ay tungkol sa paglaban sa korapsiyon. At binanggit din po niya kahapon na siya mismo ang nagsimula upang mapaimbestigahan itong mga maanomalyang flood control projects,” the Palace Press Officer said.

“So, hindi po nangangamba ang Pangulo sa gagawing protesta dahil alam po niya na ang magpuprotesta dito ay kakampi rin po niya, kakampi sa kaniyang adhikain. Dahil sabi nga po niya kahapon, kung hindi siya presidente, malamang ay makakasama rin siya sa pagprotesta laban sa korapsiyon,” Castro added. Presidential News Desk