MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has voiced support for the Office of the Ombudsman’s inquiry into an alleged “ghost internet” scheme linked to government information technology contracts, stressing that any suspected corruption in public dealings must be thoroughly investigated.
Speaking at a Palace briefing on Tuesday, September 22, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro affirmed that claims involving public funds and officials warrant strict scrutiny.
“Sa lahat ng maanomalya na transaksyon na kinapapalooban ng mga public officials ay dapat lamang itong maimbestigahan,” Castro stated.
Castro emphasized that state-funded initiatives exist to serve the public and must meet expected standards.
“Ang lahat ng ginagawa ng gobyerno ay para sa taumbayan, hindi po kinakailangan na makulangan ang mga ibibigay na serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.
The Palace official noted that the Ombudsman should advance its proceedings if sufficient evidence is found, adding that individuals found guilty of squandering public funds or compromising state projects must face accountability.
Addressing the potential fallout, Castro acknowledged that deficient internet infrastructure directly threatens the government’s push toward full service digitalization, confirming it would “definitely” hamper overall administrative efficiency and public service delivery.
Castro also issued a direct warning to private contractors and investors managing government IT projects, urging them to honor their contractual obligations.
“So, panawagan naman natin sa mga investors na ito, kayo po ay pinagkakatiwalaan ng ating pamahalaan, huwag ninyo naman pong abusuhin ang tiwalang ibinigay sa inyo,” Castro remarked.
She pointed out that the government pays contractors in full, making sub-par service delivery unacceptable.
“Ang payment sa inyo, ang mga ibinabayad sa inyo ay kumpleto naman so huwag ninyo naman pong kulangan ang dapat na ibigay sa ating mga kababayan,” she added.