Malacañang has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson for possible inciting to sedition after he called on students to rise for a “revolution against corruption.”
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Monday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants accountability from anyone who may have fueled violence during Sunday’s protests.
“Ang gusto po ng Pangulo ay managot ang lahat na maaaring managot at lahat na maaaring sangkot sa marahas na nangyari,” Castro told reporters.
She pointed out that Singson allegedly urged young people, including minors, to skip classes and take part in a movement he described as a revolution.
“At si Mr. Chavit Singson pa ang nagsabi na hayaan ng mga magulang ang mga batang ito na tumayo para sa isang rebolusyon para sa korupsyon,” she added.
Castro stressed that it is up to the DOJ and law enforcement to determine if Singson’s statements fall under inciting to sedition, a crime defined under the Revised Penal Code as encouraging others through speech or writing to rise against lawful authorities or disturb public peace. Conviction may carry up to six years in prison, depending on the gravity of the offense.
“Tayo na po ang makikiusap sa pamunuan, especially kay [Interior] Secretary Jonvic Remulla, kay acting PNP Chief General Nartatez Jr. and, of course, DOJ, na busisiin mismo ang mga sinabi ni Mr. Chavit Singson,” Castro said.
Singson had earlier declared that “all agencies are now corrupt” and proposed the creation of a governing body led by the military, religious groups, and business leaders instead of politicians.
“Mga matitino muna, including religious organizations, military. Sila mauuna, alis muna mga politicians,” he said.
Reports also noted that ties between Singson and Marcos soured after the President allegedly rejected his request to appoint him or his son to a government position. The fallout worsened as the former governor criticized the administration’s handling of ties with China and corruption allegations in flood control projects.
On Sunday, Castro said Marcos is prepared to face Singson’s allegations linking Ilocos Norte projects to a contractor couple under probe. She assured that no cover-up will take place, stressing that the President formed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) precisely to address such claims.
“Kaya nga nag-create ng ICI, independent ito. Kung ano masisiwalat dito, ilabas; kung sino ang tatamaan dito, papanagutin,” Castro said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
“So, walang magiging cover up dito,” she added.
The Palace official reiterated that the President is open to answering any allegations, provided they are backed by concrete proof.
“Yes. Basta ibigay lang nila iyong tamang mga ebidensiya,” Castro said.
