Malacañang has responded to growing public frustration over the alleged widespread corruption in the Philippines, particularly concerning irregularities in several flood control projects across the country.
During a press briefing of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Tuesday, October 14, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro shared the Palace’s statement on the issue.
“Kalma lang! Hindi po kasi ito nadadaan sa agad-agaran. Siguro bilang lawyer, na ako ay mismong humahawak ng mga kaso at ako po ay humaharap mismo sa Korte, kaya alam ko po kung paano ba magpresenta ng isang ebidensya,” Castro said.
She explained that rushing the process could lead to weak cases that may eventually be dismissed.
“Hindi po ito nadadaan sa pabilisan. At kung ito naman ay mapapabilis, napakaganda ng numero, maraming nasampa sa Korte, pero kalaunan, na-dismiss po lahat. Ano po ba ang mas hindi ninyo tatanggapin? Nakapagsampa ng maraming kaso pero na-dismiss po lahat, dahil hindi hinog at kulang ang ebidensya?” she asked.
Castro also urged the public to allow the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to complete its investigation and gather sufficient evidence before filing charges.
“Hayaan po natin ang ICI na bumuo ng kanilang imbestigasyon at kumpletuhin ang dokumento. Ang pangako naman po nila, after a week, or rather week 4, ay makakapagsampa na sila ng mga kaso o makakapagrekomenda ng pagsampa ng kaso. Hayaan po lang natin silang makapag-ipon ng mga dokumento at ng mga ebidensya para po mas matibay ang mga kasong isasampa,” she said.
She added that the investigation was initiated under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., underscoring his intent to address corruption within government projects.
“So, ‘yon lamang po sa taumbayan, huwag po kayong mainip, dahil sinimulan na po ito. Kung sabi nga natin, kung hindi ito sinimulan ng Pangulo, sino ang magsisimula? Kung hindi ang Pangulo ang nagsimula nitong pag-iimbestiga, sino pa kaya ang puwedeng mag-imbestiga?” Castro continued.
“Nasimulan na po ito, hintayin na lang po natin ang magandang magiging trabaho ng ICI, para po mas maganda din ang kalabasan at maging resulta nito,” she concluded.
It may be recalled that various public figures have also called for the imprisonment of those responsible for the alleged large-scale corruption in flood control projects.