Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang will not receive any special treatment as he faces multiple criminal charges in connection with the disappearance of several sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), Malacañang assured on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains firm that any legal action must be grounded on solid and credible evidence.

“Ang nais naman lagi ng Pangulo ay dapat kung magsasampa ng kaso, ito ay naaayon sa ebidensiya,” Castro told reporters.

“Ayaw niya po nang agarang pag-iimbestiga tapos walang ebidensiya dahil kawawa naman din po ang mga inosenteng tao,” she added.

Castro emphasized that the President prefers a careful and evidence-driven process, rather than rushed actions that could lead to injustice.

“Hindi katulad ng iba, ang Pangulo po ay nais na puro ebidensiya ang gamitin, hindi madalian,” she said.

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Ang for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention. These charges stem from the high-profile disappearance of numerous sabungeros beginning in 2021.

Aside from Ang, 21 other respondents are also facing 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide, while 10 others, along with several unidentified policemen, have been charged with 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

When asked about public concerns that Ang might receive preferential treatment, Castro reiterated that the matter now falls under judicial authority.

“On the part of the DOJ, mayroon po silang resolution… nagpapakita ng prima facie evidence na mayroong reasonable certainty of conviction,” she said.

Castro stressed that the Palace respects the legal process and will allow the courts to act independently as the cases move forward.

“So, nasa kamay na po ito ng korte. Special treatment from the court? We cannot say that, we cannot speculate on that,” she said.