President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged the public to remain calm amid growing calls to immediately jail and seize the assets of those allegedly involved in the multi-billion-peso flood control scam.
Speaking during the “Kapihan with the Media” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday, October 28, the President acknowledged the public’s frustration but emphasized that justice must be pursued through proper legal channels.
“I understand the frustration because we do have a very good idea about who these people are. But you have to take them to court. You have to present evidence. They have to be convicted,” Marcos said during a media interview following the conclusion of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits held from October 26 to 28.
He stressed that those who stole from the public coffers must be held accountable in accordance with the country’s justice system.
“And as I’m sure anyone who has been involved in any kind of legal proceeding we are all very frustrated, especially non-lawyers are very frustrated by how long it takes. Ang sagot naman ng mga abogado sa atin is that may kasabihan sa kanila: The law grinds very slowly but it grinds very well. So, we are counting on that,” he explained.
The President admitted that he receives messages daily from citizens demanding that those implicated in the scam be imprisoned and their illegally acquired wealth confiscated.
However, Marcos underscored the importance of following due process and ensuring the proper handling of evidence to avoid any lapses that could lead to acquittals.
“Can you imagine these people who have stolen billions from the government and from the people, nakawala dahil hindi maganda pag-handle ng evidence? That would be a much worse result. So due process must be observed,” Marcos said.
He further stressed that the government has only one chance to hold the perpetrators accountable, and that rushing the process could jeopardize the pursuit of justice.
“I think it’s more important that we get one chance at this. Isa lang ang chance natin. We cannot waste that opportunity to bring those people to justice and to bring justice to the Filipino people,” he added.
“So do you want to get it done quickly, or do you want to get it done right? That’s the choice that we have,” the President concluded.