'Part of the job': Castro won't file complaint over Vancouver heckling

MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Tuesday said she did not file a complaint against the group of Filipinos who confronted and heckled her in Vancouver, Canada.

Castro also said she is not seeking to identify the protesters and has no plans to pursue legal action.

Asked why she chose not to file a complaint, Castro said such incidents come with the job, although she admitted she was surprised by the protesters’ behavior.

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“It was part of the job. We just didn’t expect the Filipinos living there abroad to be so disrespectful,” she said.

Castro said the protesters have the right to express their views but said doing so should not involve cursing or wishing for someone’s death.

“We don’t know if someone was directing them or paying them, but what hurts is that it wasn’t us who were insulted. It was the Philippines that was disrespected, because they showed what kind of Filipinos they are,” the Palace official said.

When asked whether the government would assist the protesters if they faced charges over the incident, Castro deferred the question to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

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In videos circulating online, Castro was seen walking with Presidential Communications Office Director Robertzon Ramirez in Vancouver when protesters using a megaphone began shouting at and heckling her in Filipino.

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Castro and Ramirez were part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s delegation during his four-day official visit to Canada.

The protesters were chanting “BBM [Bongbong Marcos] resign” and the words “maleta (luggage)” and “magnanakaw (thief).” They were seen trailing Castro and Ramirez, who then approached police officers.

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“Shame on you, Ante Kler!” one of them shouted. /dl