Manila, Aug. 17 -- Malacanang on Monday denied Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice's claim that Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon had threatened to give him zero allocation over his criticisms of the administration.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Dizon personally denied having spoken with Erice about the alleged threat.

"Pinasinungalingan mismo ni Secretary Vince Dizon dahil hindi po niya nakakausap si Congressman Erice patungkol sa kaniyang pagbibintang (Secretary Vince Dizon himself denied it, saying that he had not spoken with Congressman Erice regarding his allegations)," Castro said during a Palace briefing.

She said the administration does not fear criticism and remains open to legitimate public concerns.

"Hindi natatakot ang g...