Nation 'ultimate judge' of lawmakers in pork scam - Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada have reportedly responded to last night's speech of President Benigno Aquino III, but Malacañang wants to leave the judgment to the hands of the public.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Sonny Coloma said in a press briefing that the Palace recognizes the senators' right to express their own stand.

"Kung iyon ang kanilang naging tugon, bayan naman ang ultimate judge at gagawa ng determination," Coloma said.

On Thursday, Revilla reacted to the speech of Aquino, who fired back at his critics in his speech last night for allegedly turning the tables against him.

The President said those allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam muddled the issue and attacked the Disbursement Acceleration Program of his administration.

"In the midst of all their extended counter-accusations hurled against me, not once have I heard them say: “I did not steal,” Aquino said.

The chief executive added that unlike his critics, he is not a thief.

Responding to Aquino's speech, Revilla claimed on Thursday that he, too, did not steal.

"Hindi ako magnanakaw at wala akong ninakaw sa kaban ng bayan," Revilla said.

Read: Bong: I'm not a thief