MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Benigno Aquino III said on Monday, August 19, he has ordered Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to immediately file the top 3 strongest cases against those involved in the alleged multi-billion pork barrel scam.

This could possibly involve Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind of a multi-billion pork barrel scam, although a separate interview quoted Aquino as saying lawmakers would also face charges. (An earlier report said the cases would be filed only against Napoles).

On Monday, August 19, Aquino told reporters at least two to 3 cases are “almost ready” to be filed against guilty parties. He refused to give names or a timeline, and did not mention what the cases would be.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is currently probing a scheme investigators call one of the biggest in the country’s history. The 10-year scam allowed Napoles to connive with lawmakers to pocket their pork barrel.

Napoles and her brother Reynald Lim are wanted for a serious illegal detention charge filed against them last week. The case involves allegations of whistleblower Benhur Luy that the two abducted and detained him for 3 months.

Aquino admitted it may take time before punishment is served to the guilty, blaming the flawed judicial system in the country that he said needs reforms.

“I want to promise to you that after we catch those with a warrant of arrest, the week after they will be convicted. But the system doesn’t work that way. The truth is, it will take years,” he said.

He also reiterated his promise not to spare anyone involved in the scam — whether ally or not.

READ: Bong, JPE, Jinggoy ‘suki’ to Napoles’ NGOs

“What’s important is… if we will file a case, it needs to be strong so those guilty will surely be taught a lesson, as well as the rest of us. But it’s also important that the public be given justice,” he said.

Under pressure from various sectors, De Lima lashed out at reporters on Friday, August 16, after she was asked about why the NBI, which is under the DOJ, is taking a while to finish its own probe.

“My gosh. COA took two years. Why would you say the investigation of NBI is delayed?,” she snapped.

“Are there better, more substantive questions than that? NBI is having a hard time? Given its magnitude you expect the NBI to complete it in one week? Can you have more decency in your questions?” – Rappler.com