Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr on his 5th SONA. Photo courtesy of PCO.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said criminal cases had been filed, arrests had been made, and Php 800 million in frozen assets linked to the alleged flood control scandal had been returned to the National Treasury.
In his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos said the administration conducted an extensive investigation and followed the evidence regardless of the position or influence of those involved.
“Gaya ng aking ipinangako sa inyo, nagsagawa tayo ng malawakan at malalimang imbestigasyon na walang pakiling kahit kanino man,” he said.
The President said the first individuals charged and detained included contractors, senior officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways, and lawmakers.
“Mayroon nang mga unang nakasuhan at nakulong: mga kontratista, matataas na opisyal ng DPWH, pati na ang mga mambabatas,” Marcos said.
He stressed that personal and political relationships would not prevent the government from pursuing those found responsible for irregularities.
“Masakit man sa akin ito, ngunit kailangang gawin ang tama. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Pangulo ako ng sambayanang Pilipino” he said.
Marcos added that Php 800 million in frozen assets connected to the investigation had already been remitted to the National Treasury as the government continued efforts to recover public funds.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez later said he respected the President’s remarks and maintained that he had never sought favors or special treatment, while expressing readiness to face the legal process.
