‘I Am Not The President Of My Family Or Friends’

Saying he is neither the president of his family nor of his friends, President Marcos revealed on Monday, July 27, that criminal cases were being readied against his first cousin, former House speaker Martin Romualdez.

In the opening part of his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos recalled his promise last year to disclose irregularities in flood mitigation projects and hold perpetrators accountable.

“We have reached the point, according to the ombudsman, where piles of cases are about to be filed against the former speaker. Although it pains me, we have to do what is right,” Marcos said.

“I am not the president of my family. I am not the president of my friends. I am the president of the Philippines and my duty is to you, my fellow Filipinos,” he added. “Rest assured that the wheels of justice are turning.”

He said the cases were examined thoroughly “and we went to where the evidence led us. We did everything to get to the bottom of it.”

Romualdez, who was absent at the joint session, issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. He said he respects the President’s declaration even if it is painful for him and his family.

Marcos said contractors, ranking officials and lawmakers have been charged and jailed because of the investigation on the multibillion-peso corruption scandal.

Marcos made the remarks as some groups were questioning his seriousness in running after officials and contractors who benefited from the flood control scam, the biggest corruption issue his administration has faced. His critics have alleged that there is “selective justice” under his watch, claiming that the anti-corruption crackdown has not placed “big fish” behind bars.

Officials have denied this, insisting that the investigation is not yet finished and that it takes time to build up cases.

Funds recovered

The President said his administration has stepped up reforms to recover the funds stolen from state coffers.

According to Marcos, the government has managed to prevent the release of funds to projects deemed “defective, fake and imaginary.”

Almost P25 billion worth of assets owned by persons linked to corruption have been frozen, more than P800 million of which has been returned to the treasury, according to the President.

“All assets to be recovered from the persons involved will be returned immediately to the treasury. We are leaving the prosecution up to the ombudsman and our strengthened National Prosecution Service,” Marcos said. “We also have faith in the judgment of the courts. We can be sure that the wheels of justice are moving.”

The President credited breakthroughs in anti-corruption efforts to the hiring of new graduates recruited through proper processes, thorough review of all state projects to prevent overpricing, monitoring of funds and projects through the transparency portal, integrity chain and the assistance of civil society.

Marcos said funds recovered from corrupt officials have been used to fund initiatives that serve the public, including programs designed to mitigate the impact of the MIddle East conflict.

“We were able to recover the money that almost went to the pockets of the corrupt officials. We used it for beneficial things and for the welfare of our people,” he said.

In a statement, Romualdez said that while he agrees with the President on the need to address corruption, he is firmly denying that he has violated the law.

“The right thing is to follow the process and let evidence speak,” he said in his statement. “I have never sought favor or special treatment.”

Imee Marcos ‘puzzled’

Presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos said she finds it “puzzling” that cases against administration allies take very long to progress. “It is puzzling that cases against senators who oppose the administration are filed so quickly, while justice seems to move much more slowly when it comes to well-known allies of the government,” she said.

She added that anti-corruption efforts should not end with Romualdez. “He is neither the beginning nor the end of widespread corruption. If he alone is being blamed, does that mean he ran the entire government by himself?”

Five of the seven incumbent lawmakers – mockingly called “cong-tractors” – were also believed to be absent at Monday’s sessions and during Marcos’ SONA in the afternoon.

They are all facing charges of graft before the Sandiganbayan, and are all out on bail.

Facing indictments are Reps. Jojo Ang (Uswag Ilonggo), Arnulfo Go (Sultan Kudarat 2nd district), Augustina Pancho (Bulacan 2nd district), Joseph Lara (Cagayan 3rd district) and Francisco Matugas (Surigao del Norte 1st district).

Reps. Edwin Gardiola (Construction Workers Solidarity) and Jernie Jett Nisay (Pusong Pinoy), on the other hand, attended Marcos’ SONA, according to sources.

The first to have been indicted was resigned Ako Bicol congressman Zaldy Co, now a fugitive from justice believed by authorities to be hiding in Paris. He is now the subject of an international manhunt by Interpol. – With Mark Ernest Villeza