US action vs Ligots lauded

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang lauded yesterday the move of the United States to turn over to the Philippine government $132,000 in forfeited assets of retired Armed forces comptroller Jacinto Ligot and his wife Erlinda.

The Palace said the turnover should send a strong signal that the administration is serious in its anti-corruption campaign and is getting much-needed cooperation.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said the amount might not be that big but the swift action of the US authorities was very significant for the government’s anti-corruption drive.

Carandang said this showed the American government’s trust in the current administration.

“We know that the Ligots are denying that (the assets are) theirs but based on what the US authorities are saying, those were ill-gotten,” Carandang said.

Carandang said they were grateful to the US government for its willingness to assist in the anti-corruption drive of the Philippines.

He explained the money would be returned either to the national treasury or the agency from where the money was taken.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. also thanked the US government for turning over the forfeited assets of the Ligots in response to a request that was made by the Philippine government.

“We consider this development the first of its kind in the history of our Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), a reflection of the United States’ commitment to help President Aquino act decisively against corruption and help our government punish those who have stolen from the coffers of our people,” he stressed.

Ochoa considered the recent development as a vote of confidence for the Philippine government, noting that the US action is a significant step toward the resolution of the case filed against the Ligots.