Aguirre: Marcoses’ supposed offer to return part of wealth may affect cases

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Wednesday said reports that the Marcos family is willing to return gold bars and a portion of their alleged ill-gotten wealth may have repercussions on the cases being pursued by the government.

“Mayroong repercussions din 'yan doon sa mga cases being handled by the
PCGG [Presidential Commission on Good Government] and if we are going to take into consideration also the plan of the President to form an anti-graft body, may repercussions talaga," Aguirre told reporters.

Aguirre, however, declined to specify the possible repercussions on the cases, including forfeiture proceedings, pending details about the matter.

“Yung implications na 'yan it’s up to us. Hindi natin alam kung papaano isosoli, kung alin ang isosoli. Parang lumalabas na 'yun lang na-discover 'yun ang isosoli. I don’t want to comment on that kasi masyadong fluid pa, malabo pa," he said.

The Justice chief said President Rodrigo Duterte, who disclosed the offer from a supposed representative of the Marcoses, had the power to enter into compromise deals.

"I’m sure dapat pag-isipan husto 'yan. Ano ba kakailanganin? Basta magagawa niya
(President) 'yan under the framework of the law," Aguirre said.

"He has the power to make compromises or any agreement with the Marcoses but I believe this has been addressed by the past administrations, kaya siguro ‘pag may bagong agreement dapat may enabling law or administrative law to be issued by the President himself,” he added.

Aguirre also weighed in on the President's plan to form an anti-graft commission to investigate complaints of corruption in government.

"We will support the President whatever may be his decision on this matter," the Cabinet official said in a separate statement.

"However, we will ask him to look into the possibility of utilizing the PCGG as a viable alternative."

Aguirre said the President can appoint a regular chairperson and two more PCGG commissioners to complete the complement of five commissioners.

"He can then assign one commissioner to handle the investigation of corruption committed by his appointees and the other one to handle negotiations with the Marcoses if so warranted. This is pursuant to PCGG’s mandate no. 2 in Executive Order No. 1," Aguirre said.

"What makes this a viable alternative is that the PCGG is already under the Office of the President as part of the Executive branch. That will be our suggestion, if consulted. However, allow me to reiterate that I will support the President whatever his decisions may be on this matter."

Duterte said he is eyeing to tap three individuals for the proposed commission. —KG, GMA News