Malaca±ang: Malaca±ang on Tuesday emphasized that any charges related to alleged flood control anomalies must be based on evidence and due process, following reports that plunder complaints may be filed against former top lawmakers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro conveyed that the Marcos administration remains committed to holding involved parties accountable but dismissed any notion of hurried or media-driven case filings. "Alam naman natin na ang Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang nanguna na magpaimbestiga sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects at nais niyang managot ang dapat na managot. Ebidensya ang panghahawakan at due process ang kailangan," Castro stated, underscoring the importance of evidence and due process in these proceedings.

This statement was issued after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that his office is preparing plunder charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is also the President's cousin, and former Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero. These charges are related to alleged irregularities in the flood control projects.

Castro further advised against politicizing the issue, pointing out that some parties are simply generating noise without aiding 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 remarked, stressing the importance of a thorough and scrutinized case filing process.

Remulla mentioned that the charges, which might include conspiracy, could be filed as soon as May. Investigators are in the process of consolidating evidence involving several lawmakers and officials.