MANILA, Jan. 23 (PNA) — While he will adhere to a policy of inclusion in rehabilitation work in areas affected by super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan), Presidential Adviser on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson on Thursday warned those “in the way” of his work that he will not hesitate to go after them.
In an interview with reporters after speaking at a forum in Makati City, Lacson said he has drawn up a list of those who have tried to hamper reconstruction efforts.
“I have a list. But (as I said), I’ll just deal with them sooner or later. The list is just a short list compared to the long list of those who are in, yung mga gustong tumulong (those who want to help),” he said.
On the other hand, he said he is awaiting for the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to probe those allegedly engaged in graft in the reconstruction.
He said his office will make sure it will lodge charges against those responsible, once evidence warrants.
“Once the evidence gathered will warrant the filing of criminal charges against those responsible, we will not hesitate, no matter how close they are to the administration or no matter what affiliations they have, political or otherwise,” he said.
In his keynote address at the forum earlier, Lacson said he will go after those who will hamper his work, regardless of their political affiliation.
“While I adhere to a policy of inclusion, I will not hesitate to go after people regardless of political affiliation who will put personal interest and belief upon the mission and goal set by the President,” he said.
“Roughly translated… it’s either you’re in, or in the way,” he added.
In the meantime, Lacson said his office will continue coordinating with local government officials regardless of their political affiliation.
“We’ll continue coordinating with them after all that’s my mandate, coordinating naman kami. But I will think or devise some way of dealing with them more vigorously,” he said. (PNA)