Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro criticized Senator Robin Padilla for suggesting that millions of pesos returned from the flood control scam should simply be burned.
In her vlog, Castro stressed that the senator should have consulted his lawyer before making such a statement. According to her, burning Philippine currency is illegal and punishable under existing laws.
“Ang pagde-demonitize ay hindi panununog ng pera. Dapat tinanong muna kay Atty. Philip Jurado ito eh,” Castro said.
She added that all of Padilla’s proposals were misplaced, pointing out that the Philippines has clear legal procedures for demonetizing currency.
“Lahat aniya ng mungkahi ni Senador Padilla ay hindi swak at wala sa hulog dahil may sinusunod na batas patungkol sa pag-demonetize ng pera ng Pilipinas,” she explained.
Castro emphasized that Padilla’s legal counsel, Atty. Philip Jurado, is always by his side and should have been consulted before the senator made remarks that run contrary to the law.
She cited Presidential Decree 247, which prohibits the burning, mutilation, or destruction of Philippine banknotes and coins, noting that such acts are illegal and carry penalties.