Palace: Revilla Bail Doesn't Undermine Anti-Graft Drive

MALACAÑANG on Monday said the grant of bail to former Senator Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla, Jr., who is facing corruption charges, does not weaken the government’s anti-corruption campaign. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Clarissa A. Castro stated that the criminal proceedings against him are ongoing and that the bail should not be used as a gauge for the insufficiency of the work by the Ombudsman and state prosecutors. “We cannot say that the work of the Office of the Ombudsman and state prosecutors was insufficient,” Castro told a news briefing. “This should not be used as a gauge to say that they are not doing their job.” She added that prosecutors should be allowed to continue pursuing the case, rejecting claims of selective justice by asserting that the Judiciary operates independently of the Executive branch. Meanwhile, she said a deeper investigation is needed into allegations of anomalous flood control projects in Taguig City. Public Works Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon has committed to cooperate with the probe. “It would be better to conduct a deeper investigation to find out the truth. If there are no ghost projects, then there is nothing to fear. But if there are, those responsible should be held accountable,” she said. Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson had earlier raised concerns over alleged irregularities in Taguig flood control projects, an allegation denied by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter S. Cayetano. Corruption has been a persistent challenge for successive administrations in the Philippines. The bail granted to a former senator, while indicative of judicial independence, often draws public attention. The government aims to maintain a firm stance against corruption while ensuring the fairness of judicial processes. Allegations of irregularities in infrastructure projects can also impact public trust in the transparency and efficiency of public works.