PCGG can legally enter into compromise deal with Marcoses

MANILA -- Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Wednesday said the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) can legally enter into compromise agreements for the recovery of any ill-gotten wealth.

Drilon, a former justice secretary, made the statement in response to questions by the media as to whether PCGG can enter into compromise agreements particularly with the family of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

“Sa ilalim ng batas, ang PCGG ay may kapangyarihan na pumasok sa compromise agreement for any ill-gotten wealth (Under the law, the PCGG is mandated to assist the President in the recovery of ill-gotten wealth)," Drilon said.

Drilon explained that the compromise should be "limited only to civil cases" as in the forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth.

He also clarified that while there is clear jurisprudence establishing PCGG's authority to enter into such agreements, the validity of the stipulations in the compromise agreement must pass judicial scrutiny.

Moreover, he said that any compromise agreement should be valid and binding only upon court approval.

“If there is a pending civil case for forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth, then the compromise agreement must be approved by the court,” Drilon said.

Meanwhile, the senator also clarified that he is not supporting any compromise agreement but was merely explaining PCGG's authority.

The PCGG was created to run after the illegally-amassed wealth of the Marcos family and their allies.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II earlier told reporters that the government is currently studying the possibility of entering into a compromise agreement with the Marcos family. (PNA)