President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is open to measures that would help the government recover stolen public funds, Malacañang said on Monday, in response to the proposed “retribution plus restitution” framework introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
Under Lacson’s proposal, officials involved in anomalies—particularly in flood control and infrastructure projects—could receive reduced sentences if they return at least 80% of the money they stole from the government.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that such a proposal aligns with the President’s authority to grant executive clemency, which includes commutation of sentence and conditional pardon under certain conditions.
“May kapangyarihan ang Pangulo sa executive clemency, kabilang ang commutation of sentence at conditional pardon kung natupad ang mga kondisyon,” Castro said.
She added that President Marcos remains receptive to constructive suggestions that could ensure accountability while allowing the government to recover public losses.
“Sa ngayon, lahat ng magagandang suhestiyon para mabawi ang nakaw na pondo ng bayan at mapanagot ang mga dapat managot ay bukas sa Pangulo at sa administrasyon,” she noted.
According to Lacson, the government could potentially recover around ₱26 billion out of the estimated ₱629 billion in alleged “ghost” flood control projects between 2023 and 2025, depending on the political will of investigating bodies such as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Office of the Ombudsman, and Department of Justice (DOJ).
He also urged the government to go after insurance companies linked to questionable projects to increase potential recoveries.