Malacañang assured the public on Sunday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is prepared to confront allegations linking infrastructure projects in his home province of Ilocos Norte to controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that there will be no whitewashing in the ongoing probe into questionable flood control projects, following claims made by former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson.
“Kaya nga nag-create ng ICI, independent ito. Kung ano masisiwalat dito, ilabas; kung sino ang tatamaan dito, papanagutin,” Castro said, referring to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) established by the President. “So, walang magiging cover up dito,” she added.
Castro also pointed out that Malacañang had earlier flagged the Discayas’ involvement in problematic projects, citing the case of a heritage building in Intramuros that drew the ire of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
“Maski na nga si First Lady eh hindi ba dismayado sa Discaya dahil iyon mismong Heritage building sa Intramuros, kami nagsiwalat eh na Discaya pala iyong gumawa. What more kung mayroon pang ibang mga palpak na mga proyekto? Eh, dapat ilahad iyan,” she said.
The Palace official added that Marcos is open to addressing any accusations, provided these are supported by credible evidence. “Yes. Basta ibigay lang nila iyong tamang mga ebidensiya,” Castro affirmed.
At the same time, she urged the public not to take political mudslinging at face value. “Kasi ang hirap dito magtuturo ka lang eh, eh ang dami-daming opisyal ng Ilocos Norte. Lalo na kung ang magsasalita naman ay Duterte supporter… Huwag po kayo agad-agad maniwala sa ganoon,” she said.
Castro reiterated that the ICI will thoroughly investigate all allegations and ensure accountability, regardless of who may be implicated.
