Senator Erwin Tulfo said he expects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide updates on corruption cases filed by the government and funds recovered through restitution during his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In an ambush interview at the Senate on Wednesday, Tulfo said the public should be informed about the administration’s efforts, particularly those involving the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman, to hold individuals accused of corruption accountable.
“Mga sinabi ng Pangulo about corruption, and I think they are doing something about it,” Tulfo said when asked what he wanted to hear from Marcos during the SONA.
Tulfo said some cases and restitution efforts may not yet have been widely reported, citing information that certain respondents had been asked to return amounts reaching P1 billion and P500 million.
He clarified, however, that he had no confirmed data on the total amount recovered by the government so far.
“Pero so far, ayon sa bali-balita, parang several billions na iyong kanilang nakukuha para sa restitution,” he said.
The senator said a formal report from the President would help clarify the number of corruption cases filed, the amount of government funds recovered or being pursued, and the administration’s next steps in addressing corruption.
Meanwhile, Tulfo assured the public that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee would proceed with its planned investigation into alleged irregularities involving flood control projects after the SONA.
Tulfo said the committee still needs to complete its membership and select a vice chairperson before it can formally start the inquiry.
“Meron po talaga tayong flood control investigation. Hindi tayo umiiwas. We will conduct an inquiry. I promise you,” he said.
He added that finalizing the committee’s composition is necessary before hearings begin to ensure proper organization of the investigation.
Tulfo said the committee is expected to proceed with the probe after the President delivers his SONA.
Photo from Inquirer
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