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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace warns flood control witnesses vs 'pagpapabudol' amid claims of political deal

Palace warns flood control witnesses vs 'pagpapabudol' amid claims of political deal

Published Jan 12, 2026 03:12 pm
Photos: RTVM/Sen. Ping Lacson
Photos: RTVM/Sen. Ping Lacson
Malacañang cautioned witnesses to the flood control corruption scandal against being misled by promises of protection or clemency amid online claims of a supposed political “game plan” tied to a looming impeachment case.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace has no personal knowledge of the claims circulating on social media but urged individuals with information to choose truth over speculation.
“Kung ito ay mayroong katotohanan, sana man lang ay… huwag silang magpabudol (If there is any truth to this, then please… do not be fooled),” she said in her press briefing on Monday, Jan. 12.
She warned that in past cases, individuals who took the fall for others ended up jailed while those implicated escaped accountability.
According to the Palace Press Officer, what the country needs is the truth, stressing that witnesses who genuinely know what happened should not be swayed by political promises.
“Ang kailangan po ng tao ngayon ay katotohanan (What the people need now is the truth),” she said.
Castro added that individuals who can help uncover wrongdoing may qualify as state witnesses, depending on their circumstances.
Castro’s remarks came following a Facebook post by journalist Ramon Tulfo alleging that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, collectively referred to as the “BGC Boys,” were involved in discussions linked to a possible political arrangement.
Tulfo claimed the three former DPWH engineers were considering withdrawing earlier confessions related to the alleged flood control scam in anticipation of political developments tied to Vice President Sara Duterte, including a potential impeachment case.
The post further alleged that the “BGC Boys” were banking on eventual executive clemency should Duterte be acquitted and later elected president, claims the Palace said it could not verify.
Castro said Malacañang will not validate rumors or speculate on future political scenarios, reiterating that due process and the rule of law must prevail.
She urged alleged witnesses to cooperate with authorities and avoid being drawn into narratives that could undermine accountability.
“Maaari naman silang maging susi upang lalo nating mapaglabanan ang korapsyon (They may be the key to strengthening the fight against corruption),” Castro said.

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