Malacañang on Friday said Sen. Pia Cayetano has no reason to fear an investigation if she has done nothing wrong, following her concern that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had tracked her travel movements.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement after Cayetano said she “fears” for her liberty and right to speak after learning that the NBI had tracked her travel and return from Singapore.
Castro cited NBI Director Melvin Matibag’s recent statement that the agency was not monitoring the senator.
“Hindi kailangang mag-panic si Sen. Pia. Sa huli nating napanuod na interview kay NBI Director Matibag, ayon sa kanya wala siyang ginagawang pagmo-monitor kay Senator Pia at nagtataka nga raw siya sa naging reaksyon ng Senadora,” Castro said in a video message.
Castro questioned Cayetano’s apprehension after the senator’s name was mentioned in an alleged P1.5-billion budget insertion involving her brother, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
She said the funds were reportedly intended for Laguna Lake improvement and slope protection.
“Nagpapakita ba ito ng senyales ng paranoia? Kapag walang ginawang mali, hindi kailangang matakot, hindi kailangang mag-panic (Does this show signs of paranoia? If you have done nothing wrong, there is no need to be afraid. There is no need to panic),” Castro said.
Castro said there should be no reason to fear an investigation if the funds were properly used.
She also rejected claims that investigations and the filing of cases in court were politically motivated because those involved were not allies of the administration.
“Kung tama ang ginawa nilang paggamit ang pondo, walang dapat katakutan. Pero ang bigyang malisya ang pagpapaimbestiga at pagsasampa ng mga kaso sa korte dahil ang mga ito ay hindi daw kaalyado, that is totally unfair,” she said.
Castro stressed that the alleged offenses involving some senators occurred even before the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
She said government agencies and courts were merely carrying out their respective mandates.
“Hindi kasalanan ng mga nag-iimbestiga at ng mga korte sa paglilitis ng mga kasong kinasasangkutan ng iilan,” Castro said.
“Ito ay kanilang mandato, kahit may impeachment o walang impeachment trial, gagawin nila ang kanilang obligasyon,” she added.
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