Stay vigilant as ‘pork’ cases progress—Palace

By: Julliane Love De Jesus - 10 years ago

Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After the surrender of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile and his former senior aide Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, Malacañang the public Friday to stay “vigilant as the cases progress” in the P10-billion “pork” barrel scam.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division earlier ordered the arrest of Enrile for allegedly amassing P172 million in kickbacks from the illegal disbursement of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), official name of the pork barrel fund.

“As with the other previous arrests, our position remains that the issuance of the warrant is a step forward in discerning the truth in the PDAF scam cases. We ask everyone to remain vigilant as the cases progress,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma also said the Palace is one with the public in their desire for truth and justice to prevail.

“We note the resolution of the Sandiganbayan ordering the issuance of warrants of arrest against Senator Enrile and other co-accused. Law enforcement agencies are ready to comply with the orders of the court. We are one with the people in their collective aspirations for truth and justice to prevail,” Coloma said.

The 90-year-old senator turned himself in to the Philippine National Police (PNP) hours after the arrest warrant was issued.

Enrile faces one count of plunder and 15 counts of graft. Plunder, a criminal offense for public officials who allegedly amassed at least P50 million in ill-gotten wealth, is a non-bailable offense.

Also charged were Napoles and Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada. Revilla and Estrada also surrendered to police after the arrest warrants against them were issued last month.