By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Tuesday stressed that any charges linked to the alleged flood control anomalies must be anchored on evidence and due process, amid reports that plunder complaints may be filed against former top lawmakers.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Marcos Jr. administration remains firm in its stance to hold accountable those involved, but rejected rushed or media-driven case filings.
“Alam naman natin na ang Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang nanguna na magpa-imbestiga sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects at nais niyang managot ang dapat na managot. Ebidensiya ang panghahawakan at due process ang kailangan,” Castro said.
“Ang manadaliang pagsasampa ng kaso ng walang basehan o may pagpaplanta ng ebidensiya ay hindi gawain ng administrasyon na ito,” she added.
The statement came after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said his office is preparing plunder charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is also the President’s cousin, and former Senate President Francis Escudero over alleged irregularities tied to the flood control controversy.
Castro cautioned against politicizing the issue, saying some parties are merely creating noise without contributing to the investigation.
“Ang pagsasampa ng kaso ay inaaaral, binubusisi, at hindi pang media lang katulad ng ginagawa ng ilang nag-iingay lang ngunit hindi naman nakakatulong sa pag-iimbestiga at pagpapanagot sa may mga sala,” she said.
Remulla said the cases, which may include conspiracy, could be filed as early as May, as investigators continue to consolidate evidence involving several lawmakers and officials. (PNA)
