Palace expects fair, objective NBI inquiry into pork barrel scam

Malacanang assured on Friday that the ongoing investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into the alleged pork barrel scam will be impartial and objective.

"The investigation is such that it is impartial and that it is very objective. If in the future, there are witnesses who will come out and will submit affidavits then, of course, they will be considered," said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte in a press briefing in Malacanang on Friday.

Valte was responding to questions about its possible action if other witnesses would come out and mention the names of these administration allies involved in the scam.

The Palace official said they want to conclude the NBI investigation at the soonest possible time, adding however that prosecuting and putting those guilty behind bars are beyond its control.

"The investigation by the NBI is proceeding but, some would interpret resolution as convictions. A final conviction – that is something that is not within our hands," she said.

Asked if the Palace sees at least an initial prosecution of those involved, Valte said they don't want to give a timetable but certainly the investigation will be NBI's top priority.

With regards to the alleged involvement of some officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Valte said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has already initiated a fact-finding investigation on the allegations relative of the use of NGOs and the pork barrel of legislators.

The DA expects the results of the investigation by next week, she said.

Reacting to comments that the NBI has been selective in treating its sources and witnesses, Valte said the bureau's main task is to get to the bottom of the allegations.

"The task of the NBI is to ferret out the truth in this particular issue. As mentioned, what is the first order of business? To determine what really happened, and the process of investigation is such that it is done by elimination and that moving forward, in that process of elimination is something that you base the documents," she said.

Valte said the NBI can't force witnesses to say something on things and events that do not really happen just to favor certain parties. (PNA)