MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III reiterated that those who had been implicated into the alleged pork barrel scam were the same people responsible for the recent attacks on the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).
The President told his critics in a televised speech on Wednesday evening that unlike them, he has not stolen from public funds.
Read: Aquino tells nation: I did not steal
He said these critics who were allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam heeded the advice of an "old politician" in firing counter-accusations to the administration regarding the DAP.
"And since it is exceedingly difficult to explain, it seems they have taken the advice of an old politician from their camp: If you can’t explain it, muddle it; if you can’t deodorize it, make everyone else stink; if you can’t look good, make everyone look bad. You have heard what they are saying: that we are all the same," Aquino said.
Over 30 individuals have been charged before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the pork barrel scam.
Those facing plunder charges are Janet Lim-Napoles and 89-year-old Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.
Also charged are Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada, who delivered a privilege speech on the pork barrel that eventually led to the entire DAP controversy.
The President warned that the recent criticisms against the DAP will not stop him from holding accountable those involved in the pork barrel scam.
"This is what I say to them: If you think that this will stop me from going after you, if you think that you can divert the public’s attention, if you think you can get away with stealing from our countrymen—you have sorely underestimated me and the Filipino people," Aquino said.