President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has denied allegations that the filing of cases linked to alleged anomalies in flood control projects was aimed at members of the Senate majority bloc.
The President made the statement in response to remarks by Sen. Imee Marcos, who suggested that the majority bloc was being gradually weakened through complaints filed against some of its members.
Speaking during a media briefing in Japan before returning to the Philippines, Marcos said the cases filed before the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman were not connected to the political affiliations of senators involved.
According to the President, the complaints were based on allegations and evidence gathered during investigations, not on whether an official belonged to the majority or minority bloc.
Marcos emphasized that the names linked to the investigations emerged from testimonies and findings of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Those findings were later submitted to the appropriate government agencies for further action.
He noted that the public had long been calling for a closer examination of alleged irregularities in flood control projects and said the results of those investigations were now beginning to emerge.
The President added that investigations remain ongoing and that authorities continue to gather information regarding other allegations involving various individuals.
Marcos also said that those implicated in the complaints would have the opportunity to clear their names through the investigation and legal process if they had committed no wrongdoing.
Among those facing complaints related to the alleged flood control project anomalies are Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva and Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
Later in the day, the Second Division of the Sandiganbayan also issued a warrant of arrest against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
