President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to exploring all possible measures to recover public funds lost to fake or substandard flood control projects, Malacañang announced on Monday.
The Palace made the statement following questions about whether the President would consider reducing the sentences of convicted officials who voluntarily return the stolen money.
“Unang-una po ay mayroon naman pong kapangyarihan ang Pangulo, iyong tinatawag nating executive clemency through a commutation of sentence at mayroon din po tayong tinatawag na conditional pardon na dapat ay iyong mga requirements ay natupad,” said Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro during a press briefing.
Castro emphasized that the administration welcomes “all good suggestions” that could help the government recover stolen funds and hold accountable those involved in corruption.
“Sa ngayon po, lahat po ng mga magagandang suhestiyon para po ma-recover natin ang mga nasabing nanakaw na pondo ng bayan at para mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot ay bukas po ang Pangulo, ang administrasyon patungkol po diyan,” she said.
The issue stems from revelations that several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and private contractors colluded with some lawmakers to divert millions in kickbacks through ghost or substandard flood control projects. Lawmakers accused in the scheme have denied any involvement.
Meanwhile, Castro said the DPWH and the Department of Agriculture have agreed to assist in the ongoing probe into questionable farm-to-market road projects.
“Noon pa nagsabi ang Pangulo na managot ang dapat managot kaya patuloy pa rin ang direktiba na dapat imbestigahan ng mabuti para hindi masayang kung may dapat managot sa mga kaso,” she added.
Malacañang has clarified, however, that it has no role in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s decision to conduct its inquiry privately. The commission earlier said it chose closed-door proceedings to avoid “trial by publicity.”
