MANILA — Malacañang said the interaction between First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Manibela Chairman Mar Valbuena at a rice distribution event in Quezon City on Tuesday showed government's "sincerity” to the transport sector.
Video of the event showed the first lady asking Valbuena to no longer hold transport strikes, which are meant to protest high fuel prices.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said it was not the first time that Araneta-Marcos led a rice distribution event, adding she could not say if the interaction was planned.
First Lady Marcos distributes rice to transport group
"Pero maganda na rin po ang nangyaring pagkakataon na nagkataon dahil nagkita sila mismo nang personal," Castro added.
(But it is good that they got to meet each other in person.)
She said that personal interaction helps convey sincerity and helps allay concerns.
"So, iyon ‘yung nakita natin na naramdaman ni Manibela chair," she said.
(So that is what we saw that the Manibela chair felt.)
She added rice distribution and other aid activities help demonstrate that the government is ready to address the concerns and needs of the transport sector.
Mody Floranda, president of transport group Piston, said his organization respects Valbuena's decision for Manibela to hold off on its strike but stressed the transport sector has a right to protest.