Palace open to suggestions on recovery of stolen public funds

Palace press officer Claire Castro (Photo from Presidential Communications Office)

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to all suggestions that will help recover stolen public funds, including Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson’s “retribution plus restitution” formula.

At a briefing, Palace press officer Claire Castro was asked if she agrees with the Lacson’s suggestion, which, he said, can help the government get back an initial P26 billion from those involved in anomalous flood control projects. 

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“First of all, the President also has the power we call executive clemency through a commutation of sentence, and we also have what’s called a conditional pardon, which requires that certain conditions or requirements be fulfilled,” Castro said in Filipino.

“But for now, the President and the administration are open to all good suggestions on how we can recover the so-called stolen public funds and hold accountable those who should be held responsible,” she added.

Castro also reacted to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s plan to make public the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of public officials.

“Everyone in the executive department is ready,” Castro said when asked if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will comply if requested to publicize his SALN. /gsg