All members of the executive branch, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., are ready to undergo a lifestyle check amid allegations of irregularities in flood control projects, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Friday, August 29.
“Lahat ng miyembro ng ehekutibo ay ready for lifestyle check, pati ang pangulo,” Castro stressed.
She emphasized that the issue should not be diverted toward politics but should focus on accountability of those involved in questionable projects.
“Lumalayo kasi tayo sa isyu, sinabi po natin na ang pangulo, ang buong ehekutibo ay ready for lifestyle check. So, huwag po tayo lumayo sa isyu. Ang isyu ngayon ay tuligsain at habulin ang mga involved sa flood control projects. Wag natin ibahin at huwag tayo medyo mamolitika,” she said.
Castro also highlighted the role of the Ombudsman as an independent constitutional body with the authority to initiate an investigation.
“Nabanggit natin ang ombudsman dahil sila po ay may karapatan at mayroong authority to initiate investigation on this matter. Ngunit ang ombudsman po ay isang independent constitutional body at kung ano man po ang kanilang magiging proseso or mechanics patungkol dito ay nasa ombudsman na po ‘yon.”
According to her, the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) is included in the scope of a lifestyle check.
“Kasama ang SALN sa lifestyle check. Mauna, mahuli man ang pangulo kasama ‘yan.”
