Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte said President Aquino is “interested” to find out why the plea bargain was made even though there is enough evidence to convict retired general Carlos Garcia for plunder.

“We want to know what happened. There is enough evidence to support charges of plunder against General Garcia. The Ombudsman has to explain why they entered a plea bargain agreement,” Valte said over government radio.

Valte said the President wanted “clarity” especially since the deal between Garcia and the Office of the Ombudsman started before he assumed office last June.

“The President is very interested why the Ombudsman had to enter a plea bargain with General Garcia,” she added.

Dismayed by the release of Garcia, the President has recently asked Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to review the plea bargain that allowed Garcia to walk out of jail. Ochoa was also asked to study all available options to remedy the situation.

Garcia, who has been on trial for amassing ill-gotten wealth from kickbacks and commissions, recently posted bail after pleading guilty to a lesser criminal charges of direct bribery and money laundering and agreeing to return some of the plundered funds. He has been detained for six years for plunder and other criminal charges.

Asked if the compromise deal with Garcia may weaken the government's anti-corruption campaign, Valt said: "I don't think so. That's why we want to know what happened."

Valte said they would check if a hold departure order against Garcia still stands following his release on jail.

Genalyn Kabiling, Manila Bulletin