Malacañang clarifies that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. continues to monitor the situation and has ordered concerned agencies to respond accordingly to the bad weather and massive flooding in the country.

The government issued that statement following the video circulating in social media showing the President singing at the birthday party of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos’ while the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) hampers the country and brough massive flooding in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

The President is the President wherever he may be. Spending some time with his family does not mean that he stops performing his duties or that government operations come to a halt, Malacanang said in a statement.

Malacanang added that amid the heavy rains, he continues to monitor the situation and direct government agencies to ensure the safety of our people and provide immediate assistance to those affected.

The First Lady turned 67 on Friday, August 21.

In a separate social media post, the President described the First Lady’s birthday as the “most important day in the calendar.”

“My dear Liza, we’re celebrating today a most important day in the calendar; Liza Day!” the President said in a social media post.

“Happy Birthday to the First Lady of every day of my life… and beyond,” he added.

The continuous heavy rains brought by the Habagat caused flooding in Metro Manila and several areas in Luzon on Saturday, August 29.

Among the flooded areas are Dagupan, Pangsinan; Pampanga; Bataan; Bulacan; and Tarlac.