Malacañang defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approach to the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, saying he will not release unverified lists or issue threats, unlike previous administrations.
This came after Rep. Leila de Lima called for a serious crackdown on alleged corruption in flood control spending during a privilege speech in the House of Representatives.
She urged the government to “name names,” file charges, and avoid using a re-enacted budget to sweep issues under the rug.
In response, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President is committed to due process and will not be pressured into making premature accusations.
“First of all, the President will not engage in any kind of threats. He will not release any list that is not verified,” Castro said during a press briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday.
“Even if this happened in past administrations, the President made it clear that he will not do the same,” she added.
Castro said that the President’s recent statements on the matter are meant to send a clear message about the need for transparency and accountability in crafting the 2026 national budget.
As for the flood control projects flagged by lawmakers and watchdog groups, Castro said the administration is already investigating whether they were completed, abandoned, or entirely nonexistent.
“If it turns out there were ghost projects or misuse of funds, the president will not hesitate to file charges against those responsible,” she said.
She added that names have yet to be released because the investigation is still ongoing.
“We must avoid making hasty accusations that could harm innocent people. The facts must be verified, and only then will those truly accountable be held liable,” she said.
