MANILA — Malacañang denied claims that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had direct knowledge of the alleged kickback scheme in the country’s flood control projects.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the allegations are baseless and often come from people seeking to oust the President.

“Hindi bago ang bigyang intriga ang Pangulo na magmumula sa mga taong nais siyang patalsikin sa pwesto. Ang ibinabato sa kanya ngayon ay walang katotohanan,” Castro said.

She added that the Chief Executive is currently focused on economic issues, leaving the investigation of the flood control projects to relevant authorities and the courts.

“Sa ngayon, focus po ang Pangulo sa mga isyung pang ekonomiya. Ang pag iimbestiga sa flood control projects ay pinapaubaya ng Pangulo sa mga investigating bodies at sa mga korte,” Castro said.

The remarks came a day after Marcos’ impeachment complaints were officially dismissed by the House of Representatives with an overwhelming 284-strong majority vote.

Castro said the President was pleased with the outcome, noting that it reflected the members’ belief in the truth.

“Nasisiyahan po ang Pangulo sa naganap na proseso sa House of Representatives. Natutuwa po ang Pangulo na 284 na miyembro ng House of Representatives ang naniniwala sa katotohanan at nagpasyang ibasura ang impeachment complaints laban sa kanya,” she said.