The Makabayan Coalition stated that the resignations of Executive Secretary Adrian Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman are insufficient, insisting that both officials and their associates implicated in the corruption scandal must face investigation and prosecution.
“These resignations tell us that President Marcos himself is feeling the heat from the corruption scandals plaguing his administration. The fact that his most trusted officials, after former Cong. Zaldy Co’s revelations, are jumping ship is a clear admission of guilt and an attempt to shield the President from accountability,” the coalition said.
Makabayan stressed that the probe must extend to Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, Department of Justice Undersecretary Jose Cadiz Jr., and all others allegedly involved in anomalous transactions. “No one should be spared from scrutiny,” it added.
“Most importantly, the probe must now include President Marcos Jr. himself. If his Executive Secretary is deeply involved in corruption, how can the President claim ignorance?” the group asked.
The coalition emphasized that Bersamin, as executive secretary, is regarded as the alter ego of the President. His alleged involvement, it argued, directly implicates Marcos Jr.
“It is no longer tenable for the President to maintain that he knows nothing and has nothing to account for when the core members of his cabinet are implicated as key players in the corruption scandal. It is time to come clean and admit accountability,” Makabayan said.
The group vowed not to allow the resignations to serve as a smokescreen. “Justice must be served, and accountability must reach the highest levels of government,” it declared.
“We call on all institutions—Congress, the Ombudsman, and law enforcement agencies—to pursue this investigation without fear or favor. The culture of impunity in the Marcos administration must end,” the coalition concluded. (ZIA LUNA)
