Statement of Malacañang on Testimony of Orly Guteza vs. Romualdez, Co
MALACAÑANG – The Palace claimed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will not intervene in the flood control corruption probe.
Several officials of the government as well as officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways are dragged into the flood control mess. The DPWH became the center of criticism amid the corruption issue and some of its officials have already been dismissed.
DPWH chief Vince Dizon previously claimed that he will order the “courtesy resignation” of all of the officials of the agency nationwide. He also vowed to abolish the internal investigation committee of the agency. According to Dizon who was a secretary of the Department of Transportation prior to his appointment to the DSWD, he does not believe that an institution can investigate itself.
Amid the flood control issue in the Philippines, Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of the independent probe team armed with the power to move for the seizure of assets linked to irregularities as well as the issuance of a subpoena — the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI. It is a three-member body with a special adviser.
The cousin of Pres. Bongbong Marcos, former House Speaker and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez, is one of the government officials who are accused of receiving flood control kickback. Previously, Marcos Jr. said that then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his allies will not be spared from the flood control probe. Romualdez was first tagged by controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya in the issue.
Recently, another witness, Orly Guteza who claimed as an alleged former staff of Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, also accused Romualdez of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects. Malacañang was asked about the testimony of Guteza.
On the claims of Orly Guteza that he allegedly delivered suitcases filled with money to Romualdez and Co, Malacañang press officer Claire Castro said that he should just prove it if it really happened. According to Castro, Marcos Jr. will not intervene in the flood control probe.
‘Kung mayroon po talagang ganitong pangyayari, patunayan na lang po at muli, hindi po makikialam ang Pangulo sa mga pag-iimbestiga na ito kaya po nag-create ng independent commission para maging malaya ang pag-iimbestiga,” the Malacañang press official said.
Atty. Claire Castro further expressed that everyone who should be investigated must be investigate. According to the Malacañang press official, not even the relatives, allies, cousins or even siblings of the President will be probed. With regards to Co, based on a report on Inquirer, the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks the help of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to track down the Representative.
Amid the allegations against him, in a statement, Zaldy Co claimed that he intends to return to the Philippines amid the flood control mess but he is “apprehensive” now over his and his family’s safety.