00:00For months, I chose silence because I believed in our legal system and in the rule of law.
00:05But my silence is now being exploited with politically engineered and fabricated narratives.
00:10What's even more disturbing, and this is something that cannot be ignored,
00:14is that there are emerging indications that certain sectors are attempting to weaponize individuals,
00:19including Zaldico, to construct a narrative that serves their own interests.
00:24So when the legal processes is being used against me as a political demolition job,
00:30then I will have no choice but to defend myself, and I will defend myself fully.
00:35I will not allow myself to be turned into the scapegoat so that others who are actually accountable can walk
00:41away clean.
00:42If this is a political play to push me out and close the story, tarnishing my name and my reputation,
00:49then I am telling everyone now, I will not go quietly and I will not go alone.
00:54I will not be the fall guy for other people's corruption.
00:57I have been in public life long enough, I have seen enough, I have heard enough.
01:03I know many things about this current administration and past administrations as well.
01:08And I say this carefully.
01:11If this matter is to be handled as a legal issue, then let it be handled legally, soberly, and according
01:18to evidence.
01:19But if certain people insist on waging this in the court of public opinion,
01:24then I will have no choice but to defend myself publicly as well.
01:27To the Ombudsman, I say this with full respect.
01:30If your office truly believes in justice, then follow the sworn statements.
01:35Follow the records.
01:37And follow the evidence all the way.
01:39Do not stop where it is politically convenient.
01:42Do not settle for the easiest headline.
01:44Do not confuse public pressure with prosecutorial duty.
01:48What I ask of the office of the Ombudsman is simple.
01:51Follow the rule of law and due process.
01:54This is a serious matter and it should be handled with seriousness, not with haste, theatrics, or shortcuts.
02:01I am ready and willing to respond to every allegation in the proper forum,
02:05through the proper pleadings, motions, and submissions that the law allows.
02:10And to those who think they can throw me under the bus to save themselves,
02:14this is what I have to say to you.
02:17I am ready to defend my name.
02:19My silence should not be mistaken for weakness, ignorance, or fear.
02:24I know enough to defend myself.
02:27And if I am forced to do so in public, I will.
02:31Maraming salamat po.
03:01Maraming salamat po.
03:02Maraming salamat po.
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