Malacañang on Monday urged the so-called “BGC Boys,” former DPWH Bulacan officials linked to anomalous flood control projects, to think twice before recanting their testimonies.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the warning following a social media post by columnist Ramon Tulfo, claiming the group had been in contact with Vice President Sara Duterte and were allegedly planning to withdraw statements implicating officials in kickbacks.
The BGC Boys include former Bulacan 1st District engineer Henry Alcantara and subordinates Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, and Edrick San Diego.
“Pero kung ito ay mayroong katotohanan, sana man lang ay… Itong mga witnesses na ito, witnesses na maaari talagang mayroong alam sa katotohanan, huwag silang magpabudol,” Castro said.
“Sana huwag pabudol dahil ang kailangan po ng tao ngayon ay katotohanan; maaaring sila pa ang maging susi upang lalo nating mapaglabanan ang korapsyon,” she added.
Castro emphasized that the witnesses could still qualify as state witnesses, but cautioned them against being misled.
“Huwag lamang pong pabudol dahil kailangan po sila ng bansa,” she said.
“Sa mga witnesses na maaaring makatulong sa bansa, huwag po kayong magpaloko dahil baka po lumabas na instead na kayo po ang maligtas dahil sa inyong mga katotohanang isisiwalat, kayo’y magamit at kayo po ang mapunta sa kulungan at ang inyong itinuturo na malalaking isda, sila pa po ang makawala,” Castro added.