Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday rejected claims that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. failed to deliver on his pledge to hold accountable those involved in alleged flood control anomalies, citing arrests, issued warrants, and the recovery of illicit funds within months of the investigation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the President never named individuals when he earlier remarked that some people would not have a 'merry Christmas,' but emphasized that tangible enforcement actions had already been taken. Castro highlighted that in just over four months, the government has recorded unprecedented developments in corruption cases tied to flood control projects.
Castro explained that several individuals have been arrested, warrants have been issued, and some suspects are in hiding or negotiating to return their kickbacks. She mentioned that such actions are unprecedented in previous administrations. 'Tandaan natin, sa mahigit na apat na buwan, may mga nakulong, may mga warrants of arrest na na-issue, may mga nagtago, mayroong nakikipag-usap at isinosoli ang karamihan sa kanilang mga kickbacks na hindi naganap, never na nangyari sa anumang administrasyon,' Castro said in a Palace press briefing.
Castro noted that those already detained fit the President's earlier remarks about not having a 'merry Christmas.' 'Ang pagsabi po niya na may mga taong hindi merry ang kanilang Christmas, yung mga nakulong po, definitely hindi naging merry ang kanilang Christmas,' she said.
The ongoing process awaits key resolutions, with the President looking forward to decisions from the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice. 'Hinihintay din po ng Pangulo ang magiging resolusyon ng Ombudsman at DOJ. hindi pa po natatapos ang termino ng Pangulo. Marami pa po ang mangyayari,' Castro added.
Over a dozen individuals, mostly officials and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways and private contractors including Cezarah Rowena 'Sarah' Discaya, have been detained. However, former lawmaker Zaldy Co, implicated in the anomalies, remains at large.
Inquiries about the status of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) revealed that no replacement has been announced despite the departure of its key members. Castro assured that the ICI members are still working, and the Ombudsman has committed to sustaining the investigation. 'Sa ngayon wala pa po tayong update kung magkakaroon ng replacement. Sa kasalukuyan po nagtatrabaho pa rin ang mga nasa ICI,' she said. 'Nandiyan din ang Ombudsman na nangako na magpapatuloy nila. Patuloy pa rin po ang pag-iimbestiga,' Castro concluded.
