Palace: First Family open to lifestyle check

Malacañang on Tuesday said the First Family is open to undergoing a lifestyle check amid public scrutiny surrounding an investigative report on the distribution of “allocable” infrastructure funds.

In a Palace briefing on 2 December 2025, Press Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed questions on why Ilocos Norte — the Marcos family’s political bailiwick represented in the House by presidential son Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos — ranked among the top beneficiaries of the funds. Castro reiterated that the First Family has “nothing to hide” and is willing to be subjected to lifestyle scrutiny.

The Palace also highlighted developments at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, noting the opening of the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1 led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Labor Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Gallardo Calixto-Rubiano, and New NAIA Infra Corp. Chairman and CEO Ramon Ang.

Castro further disclosed updates from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, saying operations are ongoing to locate Cassandra “Cassie” Li Ong, who is confirmed to be in the Philippines. She added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed various agencies to continue searching for former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

Asked about Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks vowing to fight “greedy” and corrupt officials, Castro said such efforts should “start within the Office of the Vice President.”

On the proposed 2026 national budget, Castro explained that the solution for its approval is to “work double time,” stressing that the President does not favor a reenacted budget.

Castro added that the Office of the President has not yet appointed replacements for the positions of Chief Legal Counsel and head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, but assured the public that the Palace will announce once the posts are filled.