Atienza: Gov’t should have filed cases vs those accused in pork scam long before list leakage

Buhay partylist Representative Lito Atienza . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – A lawmaker from the independent minority bloc said the government should have filed cases against those accused in the pork barrel scam long before the leakage of a list.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Buhay Representative Lito Atienza said releasing the alleged list of scam beneficiaries only caused trial by publicity.

“What is the administration waiting for? They should have filed cases already,” said Atienza, a former Manila mayor.

Atienza noted that the accused would be given an opportunity to defend themselves in court.

“Sino (dirinig) dito? Public debate? Korte dapat ang magdinig dito (Who’s going to hear this? Public debate? It’s the court which should be hearing this),” he said.

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