Palace denies convincing Gigi Reyes to return home

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Monday denied accusations that it had a hand in the return of Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes to the Philippines, in an alleged bid to pin down Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.

“Ayon sa kanyang (Justice Secretary Leila de Lima) naipahayag ay walang pag-anyaya o pakikipag-usap na ginawa ang Kagawaran ng Katarungan,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a televised press briefing.

(According to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s statement, there was no invitation or talks done by the Justice department.)

Reyes, the former chief-of-staff of Enrile, returned to the Philippines on Saturday to face the cases filed against her. Both Reyes and Enrile are facing plunder charges for the alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The statement came after Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago told media that there was a probability and that it was logical for President Benigno Aquino III to have government officials bring home pork barrel scam witnesses like Reyes.

But Coloma said Santiago’s interview did not seem to imply such.

“Gayunpaman, palagi naman nating pinaliliwanag na wala namang (ganyang) specific focus ang ating administrasyon. Ang mahalaga lamang dito ay malaman ng sambayanan ang buong katotohanan dahil ang pinag-uusapan ay ang pondo ng bayan,” he added.

(Nevertheless, we always explain that our administration is not specifically focused on that. What is important is for the nation to learn the whole truth because we are talking about people’s funds.)

The Secretary said it is also important to hold accountable those involved in the pork barrel scam.

“Ang mahalagang layunin dito ay matunton ng Department of Justice yung mga kailangang ebidensya na makakatulong sa pagsulong ng mga gulong ng katarungan,” he said.

(The important objective here is for the Department of Justice to gather necessary evidence that will help move the wheels of justice.)

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