Malacañang called on Senator Pia Cayetano to remain calm regarding ongoing state probes, assuring her that she has no reason to fear if she is innocent of any wrongdoing.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement on Friday following concerns raised by the lawmaker during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Castro pointed to a recent statement by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, who denied that his agency was conducting surveillance on the senator.
”Hindi kailangan mag-panic si Senator Pia. Sa huli nating napanood na interview kay NBI Director Matibag, ayon sa kanya ay wala siyang ginagawng pag-monitor kay Senator Pia at nagtataka nga raw sya sa naging reaksyon ng senadora,” Castro said.
”Kapag walang ginawang mali, hindi kailangan matakot, hindi kailangan magpanic,” she added.
The Palace official also dismissed allegations that the ongoing inquiries and legal filings were politically motivated actions aimed at opposition figures.
”Ang bigyang malisya ang pagpapaimbestiga at pagsasampa ng mga kaso sa korte dahil ang mga ito ay hindi daw kaalyado. That is totally unfair,” Castro pointed out.
Castro stressed that law enforcement agencies are merely following up on legitimate evidence and witness statements gathered throughout their inquiries.
”Ang lahat ng iniimbestigahan ngayon mayroong mga ebidensyang nakalap. May mga testigong nais magsalita para sa katotohanan,” she said.
Additionally, Castro rejected attempts to link the investigations into state project irregularities with the ongoing impeachment proceedings or vote tallies against the Vice President.
”Tandaan natin, ang mga diumangong krimen na kinasasangkutan ng ibang mga senador ay naganap bago pa nagakroon ng impeachment,” Castro noted.
She emphasized that investigative bodies and judicial institutions are simply executing their legal mandates independently of political developments.
”Hindi kasalanan ng mga nag-iimbestiga at ng mga korte sa paglilitis ng mga kasong kinasasangkutang ng iilan,” Castro stated.
”Ito ay kanilang mandato, kahit may impeachment o walang impeachment trial, gagawin nila ang kanilang obligasyon,” she added.
The Palace’s remarks came after Cayetano voiced alarm over her personal liberty during the 26th day of the impeachment trial, stating that recent public comments from NBI leadership made her feel treated like a “common fugitive.”