President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday vowed that the government is building solid, airtight cases against those involved in the massive flood control scandal — a corruption issue that allegedly cost Filipinos billions in stolen public funds.
Speaking to reporters during his Kapihan briefing in Kuala Lumpur after the 47th ASEAN Summit, Marcos stressed that the administration has only one chance to hold the guilty accountable — and that rushing the process could mean justice slipping away.
“Can you imagine these people who have stolen billions from the government and from the people… nakawala dahil hindi maganda ang pagka-handle ng ebidensiya?”
“That would be a much worse result,” he said, his voice firm.
The President asked for public patience, assuring Filipinos that the government’s anti-corruption drive is not slowing down — it’s simply being done the right way.
“Due process must be observed. We must make sure we know exactly who they are. We’ll ensure they’re jailed, and that what they stole is returned to the government — returned to the people,” Marcos added.
He explained that filing weak or rushed cases could lead to acquittals that cannot be reversed because of the law on double jeopardy — a legal principle that prevents anyone from being charged twice for the same crime.
“We have just one chance. We cannot waste that opportunity to bring justice to those people — and justice to the Filipino people,” he said.
Billions Lost, Trillions at Stake
Earlier, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon revealed that losses from anomalous flood control projects could reach trillions of pesos, sparking outrage across the nation.
Over the weekend, business groups and labor unions urged Marcos to take “bold, concrete actions” to fight corruption and rebuild public trust in government institutions.
In response, Malacañang assured the public that the investigation is strictly following due process to avoid violating any laws or human rights of those involved.
“Get It Done Quickly or Get It Done Right?”
Marcos said he fully understands the growing frustration among Filipinos who are tired of corruption and its effects on their lives. But he reminded the public that the legal arena isn’t the same as politics — justice must go through its proper course.
“Do you want to get it done quickly, or do you want to get it done right? That’s the choice we have,” he said.
“We already have a good idea who these people are. But you have to take them to court, present evidence, and convict them properly.”
The President admitted that the process can be painfully slow — even for him.
“Anyone who’s gone through any kind of legal proceeding knows the frustration,” Marcos said.
“Lawyers always tell us, ‘the law grinds very slowly but it grinds very well.’ So we are counting on that.”
ICI Livestream: Transparency in Progress
Meanwhile, Marcos clarified that the planned livestream of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) proceedings will not affect the credibility of its investigations.
He said the Palace fully respects the ICI’s independence.
“We provide them the budget and allow them to run everything the way they want — to hire who they need. The substantial matters are entirely up to them,” he explained.
The ICI announced that it aims to finalize its livestream rules by next month, marking a step toward greater transparency in the ongoing corruption probe.
President Marcos ended his briefing with a message that captured both determination and restraint — a reminder that justice done right is justice that lasts.
“Isa lang ang chance natin,” he said.
“We cannot waste it.”
