Palace: Demolition job vs Revilla 'waste of time'

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday denied that it is behind any demolition job against those allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam and possible presidential candidates in 2016.

At a televised press briefing, Presidential Communication Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government has no time for such scheme since it is focused on the recovery efforts for the victims of last year's disasters.

"Ang laking sayang sa panahon kung tayo ay mag-eengage pa sa demolition [job] samantalang napakalinaw naman na construction, reconstruction at rehabilitation ang mga prioridad sa kasalukuyan,"

Coloma was reacting to a reported statement of Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. that the administration is now targeting potential foes of its presidential bet in the next polls.

The Palace official said the President remains committed to fulfilling his promise to the people before his term ends.

"Basta po sa amin, ang pinakamahalagang numero ay 743. Dahil 743 days pa po ang nalalabi para gampanan ang mga ipinangako kay Juan at Juana Dela Cruz," Coloma said.

Along with Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, Revilla is facing plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly amassing kickbacks from the pork barrel funds that they coursed to the foundations of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

Revilla delivered a farewell privilege speech ahead of his imminent arrest, thanking his fellow senators and his family last week.

He also challenged President Aquino to unite the country and focus on solving the country's problems instead of continuing the political bickering over the pork barrel scam.

"Lead this country not with hatred but with love. Lead the country with unity and not partisanship. Push our nation's interest and not political agenda," Revilla told Aquino.