Palace Rejects Swift Flood-Control Probe Claims
MANILA — The Palace firmly rejected claims that President Marcos Jr. should complete the flood-control investigation in a single day. Officials emphasized that the President conducts inquiries with respect for due process and human rights, not in a rushed or heavy-handed manner.
Vice President Sara Duterte recently said, “Kung seryoso lang talaga ang Presidente, tapos na ’yan isang araw lang, matuturo niya lahat ng may kagagawan ng corruption sa budget. Pero, well, as you can see, para ngang nanonood tayo ng zarzuela.” Her remarks questioned the seriousness of the ongoing flood-control project investigations.
Respecting Due Process in Flood-Control Investigation
Palace spokesperson Claire Castro responded to these comments, calling the idea that the flood-control investigation could wrap up in one day “absolutely preposterous.” She clarified, “Ang Pangulong Marcos Jr. hindi po siya nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon ala-tokhang way. Nirerespeto ng Pangulo ang due process, Nirerespeto ng Pangulo ang human rights so kaya po dumadaan ang lahat sa proseso.”
Officials explained that President Marcos Jr. ensures every investigation follows the proper legal procedures, distinguishing his approach from the controversial “Tokhang” method implemented in the past.
Context of ‘Tokhang’ Reference
Castro’s use of “Tokhang” referred to the previous administration’s drug war tactic, which involved police knocking on suspected drug offenders’ doors to persuade surrender. This method drew criticism for alleged human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings. Community members noted that the President’s investigation respects human rights, contrasting with past practices.
Vice President’s Criticism and Political Implications
Vice President Duterte’s remarks came during an interview in The Hague, where she criticized the slow pace of the flood-control probe and likened it to a theatrical performance. Sources said her comments also indirectly referenced her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who admitted to anomalies in flood-control projects during his term.
Palace officials stressed that the flood-control investigation is intended for the public’s benefit, not political point-scoring. One spokesperson remarked, “So muli, ang pag-iimbestigang ito para sa taong-bayan hindi para sa pamumulitika. Ginagawa ito ng Pangulo kahit tatamaan ang kanyang administrasyon.”
Political Rift and Previous Critiques
Observers noted that this is not the first time the Vice President has criticized the Marcos administration. She previously dismissed the P20 per kilo rice subsidy program as a political ploy. Their political alliance, once united under the “UniTeam” banner during the 2022 elections, has since fractured following her resignation as education secretary.
For more news and updates on flood-control investigation, visit Filipinokami.com.
