Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Tuesday defended the pace of the ongoing flood control scam investigation, saying delays often cited by critics are simply part of the legal process.
Speaking on the radio program Dos Por Dos, Castro addressed remarks that the handling of cases linked to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other officials has been slow.
“Ang tandaan natin, hindi naman biro ang mag-aral ng bulto-bultong dokumento. Kaya doon sa iba mga mambabatas na sa amin naiinip sila, i-try nyo po na kayo ang kahit na maging investigating prosecutor, kung gaano ba katagal para mag-aral. Kung gaano ba kabilis para magsampa ng kaso, hindi po ito basta-basta, hindi po ito nilalaro.”
She emphasized that the volume of documents involved—some 67 submissions from the DPWH and other agencies—requires careful examination by the Office of the Ombudsman before cases can be filed or dismissed.
“Kapag ito ay binigay mo at sinumite mo sa Ombudsman, ang Ombudsman na ngayon, ang mayroong obligasyon sa tao na aralin agad ito at bigyan ng resolusyon para it's either a recommendation to file or to dismiss the case,” she said.
Castro also highlighted recent developments in the anti-corruption drive, pointing out that many warrants of arrest have been issued, assets frozen, and individuals sanctioned, contrary to criticisms that the administration has been inactive.
“Wala siyang binanggit na sino man na politiko. Basta ang pangako ng Pangulo noong Pasko, bago mag-Pasko, maraming hindi magiging merry ang Pasko. At totoo naman naging maraming hindi merry ang Christmas,” she noted.
On questions about high-profile figures involved, Castro declined to name anyone, stressing that investigations are ongoing and due process must be respected.
She also touched on the recent voluntary surrender of former Senator Bong Revilla, calling it a positive gesture and a potential mitigating circumstance if any conviction occurs.
“Noong nabalitaan daw niya na maaaring i-issue ang warrant of arrest, siya na ang personal na pumunta. Maganda pong gesture yan sa kanyang parte.”
Castro further urged lawmakers and critics to appreciate the meticulous work involved in investigating complex corruption cases, saying impatience should not be mistaken for negligence.
