Gov’t sticking to evidence-based approach on ‘pork’ scam

MANILA, Philippines - With some of its officials being linked to the pork barrel scam, the government is sticking to an “evidence-based” approach to ferret out the truth and ensure punishment for wrongdoers, Malacañang said yesterday.

“We reiterate our position that in accordance with the guidance of the President, the government remains committed to pursuing an evidence-based inquiry and that any legal action that will be taken should be based on firm and substantiated proof, which can pass judicial inquiry and scrutiny,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

“As to members of the Cabinet, we reiterate that mere allegations do not affect the presumption of regularity in the performance of official functions and there is a need to recognize their right to presumption of innocence,” he said.

Coloma also appealed to groups planning to hold anti-corruption rallies on Independence Day to police their ranks to prevent violence or any untoward incident.

He also assured the public – especially critics – that there would be no manipulation or cover-up in the investigation into the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. PDAF is the official term for the congressional pork barrel.

Representatives of several progressive organizations gathered at a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday to launch the “6.12.14 Protest Coalition,” which will hold a series of anti-corruption rallies in the run up to Independence Day on June 12.

The groups are calling on President Aquino to sanction his officials linked to the pork barrel scam.

“We respect the right of our citizens to assemble and express their concerns on particular issues, which we hope will be done peacefully and in an orderly manner,” Coloma said.

He said the people’s freedom of expression is proof of the healthy and vibrant democracy in the country.

Coloma said Aquino will host the traditional vin d’ honneur in Malacañang after leading Independence Day rites.

Organizers of last year’s Million People March against PDAF are the same ones calling for the rally on June 12.

Alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim- Napoles claimed in her affidavit that she had dealt with some administration officials in skimming billions of pesos from lawmakers’ PDAF.

Digital records of pork barrel scam whistle-blower Benhur Luy also included the names of some officials from the administration, like Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general Joel Villanueva.

In Davao City, Senate President Franklin Drilon said the administration is committed to pursuing reforms amid the PDAF controversy.

“Let me assure you that this government will continue to pursue all its policies and at the end of its term, we will be able to tell the people and we can say that we have responded to their expectations,” Drilon said.

Drilon was in Davao as guest speaker in the convention of barangay captains of Bulacan held at the Apo View Hotel.

Drilon explained that the PDAF scandal is a law-enforcement and legal matter and not a political issue.

But he said administration foes are apparently using the issue to destabilize the government. – With Edith Regalado