Malacañang clarified Tuesday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to forego attendance at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York next week was not prompted by any security threat, but rather by his intent to focus on urgent domestic matters.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that while there had been past threats, including one allegedly made by the Vice President, there is currently no direct danger to the President’s life.

“Maliban po sa naging pagbabanta dati ng Bise Presidente sa buhay ng Pangulo… wala po na direct threat sa buhay ng Pangulo,” Castro said, citing National Security Council Assistant Director General Cornelio Valencia.

Despite the absence of a specific threat, Castro assured that security protocols remain stringent and the President’s safety continues to be a top priority.

“Hindi po sila magiging kampante sa pagsiguro at bigyan ng seguridad ang buhay ng Pangulo,” she added.

The Palace earlier announced that Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro will represent the Philippines at the UNGA, allowing President Marcos to concentrate on local issues, including the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

Asked whether upcoming anti-corruption protests influenced the President’s decision, Castro said Marcos is not concerned about the demonstrations, noting that he himself initiated the probe into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

 “Hindi naman po nangangamba ang Pangulo… kung hindi siya presidente, malamang ay makakasama rin siya sa pagprotesta laban sa korapsiyon,” Castro said.

On Monday, the President finalized the composition of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which will investigate questionable infrastructure projects over the past decade. Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. will chair the commission, joined by former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, SGV & Co. executive Rossana Fajardo, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special adviser.