Manila, March 31 -- Malacanang on Tuesday called for unity and restraint, urging critics to refrain from political attacks during the Holy Week observance.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the appeal when asked about criticisms directed at President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the administration.

"Sa ngayon, sa panahon ngayon, ay iwasan po natin sana ang pamumulitika (At this time, we hope people will refrain from politicking)," Castro said in a Palace briefing.

"Kung wala po silang masasabing maganda at kung hindi paninira lamang, tumigil muna sila at makipagtulungan na lamang po sa administrasyon para ikaaangat ng ating bansa (If they have nothing constructive to say and are only engaging in criticism, they should stop for now...