Malacañang on Tuesday stressed that due process is being strictly observed in the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies involving flood control projects, amid claims to the contrary by former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.
During a press conference, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said the Marcos administration remains firm in upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those implicated in the alleged irregularities.
This came after Revilla questioned the supposed lack of due process in the flood control mess, following the Sandiganbayan’s issuance of an arrest warrant against him.
Castro said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has consistently ordered government agencies to adhere to due process, which she noted is one reason why the filing of cases against some individuals took time.
“Muli ang gusto ng Pangulo laging due process. Kaya nga siguro po nagtagal ang ibang pagsasampa ng kaso dahil kinakailangan pong igalang ang due process” Castro said.
She added that it is “normal” for anyone facing accusations to claim a lack of due process, describing it as a common line of defense among the accused.
“Kung ‘yan po ang naging opinyon ng dating senador Bong Revilla, malamang gagamitin niya po yan bilang kanyang depensa. So kung ganyan po yung kanyang paniniwala niya, kailangan din naman po niya itong I-depensa or panindigan at pagbigay siya ng mga ebidensya,” Castro said.
“Kung anuman ang kaniyang nararamdaman, igagalang po natin, pero in general, iyan talaga ang magiging opinion o damdamin ng naakusahan,” she added.
Castro also rejected claims that there is no rule of law under the current administration.
Meanwhile, Castro clarified that Revilla’s case does not mark the beginning of the government’s move to hold so-called “big fish” accountable, noting that several individuals have already been issued arrest warrants.
“Hindi po siya simula. Halos nasa gitna na nga po siguro tayo. Dahil tandaan po natin bago mag-Pasko, marami na po ang nagkaroon ng warrant of arrest. Marami na na-issuehan ng warrant of arrest. Isa rito, hindi lang siguro tinutulong ng iba na big fish ang diskaya. Sila po ay naaresto. Si Sarah Discaya ay napaaresto, napakulong bago mag-Pasko. So hindi po ito yung inisyal na pagpapanagot sa mga sinasabing big fish,” she said.
Asked about President Marcos Jr.’s reaction to the development, given his political alliance with Revilla during the last senatorial elections, Castro said the President was initially surprised but remained firm on his stance in the flood control scandal.
“Una pa lang po nabanggit ang pangalan ng senador Bong Revilla, doon pa lang nag-react na ang Pangulo at syempre nagulat siya dahil kaalyado pa niya," Castro said.
"Pero sabi nga niya, makailang ulit sabihin niya, kahit nga po kaalyado, kung kailangang imbestigahan, dapat imbestigahan,” she emphasized.
