Malacañang has called on local government officials and government agencies to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations and avoid any effort to obstruct or cover up wrongdoing.
During a Palace briefing on Wednesday, September 9, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said investigations, particularly those involving public officials and government institutions, should be allowed to proceed without interference.
“Dahil kung wala naman kayong ginagawang mali at lahat naman po ay naayon sa batas at proseso, hindi naman katakutan ang pagpapa-imbestiga,” Castro said.
Castro stressed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not want investigations into alleged irregularities, especially corruption-related cases, to be blocked or concealed.
“So, huwag harangin, huwag magkaroon ng cover-up. Hindi po nais ng Pangulo na magkaroon ng cover up sa mga isyu ng anomalya, lalong-lalo na patungkol sa corruption,” Castro added.
She said local officials who are confident that they have acted within the law should have no reason to fear an investigation.
Castro also urged government personnel to assist investigating authorities and provide relevant documents and records when requested.
“So, makipag-cooperate na lang po kayo at makipag-coordinate sa mga nag-iimbestiga at kung walang anumang dokumento, maidodokumento ng inyong kamalian, hindi kailangan matakot,” Castro further said.
Her statement followed an allegation from the Office of the Ombudsman that personnel from the Taguig City government had obstructed its employees during an inspection conducted the previous week.
The Taguig government, however, said the incident resulted from a misunderstanding during the verification of the Ombudsman personnel’s identities. It added that the matter was eventually resolved amicably.