Full transparency pledged on Marcos wealth deal

The proposed negotiation with the Marcos family about the return of its questionable wealth would be implemented with full transparency and accountability, Malacañang pledged yesterday.

The government would also need congressional consent before proceeding with the talks with the Marcoses on the wealth issue in a bid to attain justice and reconciliation, according to Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella.

“As the President has promised, this entire negotiation will be done professionally and transparently, with a full accounting to the people, and especially, (with) authority from Congress,” Abella said during a Palace news conference.

“We therefore, urge the Congress to authorize the President to proceed with negotiations and set parameters taking into account concerns raised by critics and the citizenry,” he said.

Abella said it would be best if all sectors work together for “final justice, closure and national reconciliation.”

President Duterte earlier revealed that the family of the late President Ferdinand Marcos was ready to return the wealth, including a few gold bars, to help the government contain the budget deficit. Duterte however, clarified that he could not decide yet on the Marcoses’ settlement offer, saying the process must begin with Congress.

Some groups have called on the government to ensure the Marcoses would return all ill-gotten wealth and would be held accountable for their offenses.

Abella acknowledged that the President could not act on his own on the proposed return of the Marcos wealth.

“The legislative has to come into play in this case,” Abella said. “It is not just him who will do the negotiation. He works in concert with Congress,” he added.

On questions why the President was leaving the matter to Congress instead of the Presidential Commission on Good Government instead of Congress, Abella said the issue requires “proper parameters.”

“This is entirely new ground so we need guidance,” he said.

The Palace also steered clear from the issues on whether it considers the Marcos wealth as stolen and if it will pursue cases against the family for alleged wrongdoing.

“The President has said that he will accept however they explain it. We’re not taking a stand regarding it. He is speaking like a lawyer and accepts what the other party is saying,” Abella said. “However, the final word will have to come from Congress,” he said.

On the matter of holding the Marcoses accountable for the alleged illgotten wealth, Abella said the process must still be “carefully worked out.”

“We are not making any statements about discounting any charges,” he said.

On whether the return of the wealth must come with admission of guilt, Abella deferred to the President to comment on the matter.