Palace vows due process for water firm execs after Duterte's threat of Marcos-style arrests !-- --
Last Friday, Duterte said he is ready to send the owners of water firms
" He also threatened to emulate the late dictator
"What the president meant was everyone who should be charged would be charged. If there is probable cause then the court can issue a warrant of arrest.
They would be jailed. But everything will undergo legal processes," Panelo said in a radio interview.
"That is on the assumption that there is warrant of arrest. There were instances before that people with warrants of arrest were not arrested because they were close to law enforcement, to the President.
This time, it won't happen," he added. READ:Water utilities' woes seen hurting investor confidence Asked to explain Duterte's statement that he would emulate Marcos, Panelo said the president may just be emphasizing that he has the political will to run after those who violated the law.
"Perhaps what he meant was
Perhaps that's what he meant," he added. Duterte has accused
He has also ordered agencies to draft new water contracts and to ensure that they are advantageous to the public. READ:Duterte to water firms: Accept new contracts or face gov't takeover Panelo reiterated that water firms could still face charges even if they accept the new contracts.
"As the president said, we are not guaranteeing immunity from suit because other people might file charges against you. How can we stop them?" he said.
Panelo assured the public that the administration would run after all onerous deals. "As long as there is anomaly all provisions with contracts, we will look into it," he said.
Panelo cited allegations on the internet that the Ayalas had paid very low rent for the Technohub at the
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