Palace Sees No Problem with Creation of Special Courts to Tackle ‘Pork’ Scam

Manila – If the creation of “Special Divisions” could help tackle pork barrel scam cases much quicker, Malacañang on Saturday said that it does not see any problem with the proposal.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte raised the issue in reaction to Ombudsman Conchita Morales’ request to create at least two Special Divisions of the Sandiganbayan for the pork barrel cases.

“Hopefully, whatever their (Supreme Court’s) decision may be, it will help in making sure the proceedings are conducted in a timely manner without much delay,” Valte said in a radio interview over state-run dzRB radio.

Morales’ proposal came after the three senators implicated in the pork barrel scam, Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada were charged with graft and plunder before Sandiganbayan.

Valte also agreed with Senate President Franklin Drilon’s request not to have the three implicated senators arrested in the Senate.

She said that it would be a show of respect to the Senate as an institution.

On another note, the presidential spokesperson said that the government was prepared for possible backlash that could come from implicated senators’ supporters.

“We are ready if it reaches that point,” Valte said. (By Azer N. Parrocha (PNA) CTB/ANP)