Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday urged controversial contractors Pacifico "Curlee" and Cezarah Rowena "Sarah" Discaya to substantiate their claims linking lawmakers and government officials to anomalous flood control projects, saying President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. supports a full investigation but not baseless accusations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized in a press briefing in Cambodia, where President Marcos is on a three-day state visit, that the President seeks a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth. However, Castro noted that the President is against name-dropping without evidence.

Castro further asserted that if credible witnesses can substantiate the alleged involvement of certain lawmakers and local officials in the questionable projects, President Marcos would consider the evidence for potential legal action. She also stated that the government is willing to provide protection to the Discaya couple, who have hinted at the possibility of becoming state witnesses.

Witnesses with pertinent facts and data need to be given protection, Castro assured, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of those involved. Nonetheless, she warned against selective disclosures, referencing Sarah Discaya's earlier statement that their flood control contracts started in 2016.

The Discayas, associated with several blacklisted contractors, claimed during a Senate inquiry on flood control project anomalies that they had interactions with influential politicians and government officials. They alleged that lawmakers and officials requested 'kickbacks' in these dealings.