"I'm sorry but I cannot give yet any categorical answer about the issue," Gutierrez said in a press conference Sunday.
Gutierrez was in the city Sunday to grace the Rally for Integrity of the National Anti-Corruption Program of Action.
Gutierrez said the Office of the Ombudsman conducted an investigation over the alleged distribution of cash gifts to governors and congressmen who attended a breakfast meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo -- motu propio, or just by itself without any complaint lodged in their office.
"I cannot rule yet on what really happened, our rulings must be based on evidence," Gutierrez added.
The Tanodbayan added that she will only release her ruling after the conduct of the investigation has been wrapped up.
Preempting the possible outcome of the investigation, Gutierrez said, is something that she would not want to do.
No time frame has been provided by Gutierrez as to when the investigations must be concluded. "Just give us time," Gutierrez said. "No deadline has been imposed," Gutierrez said.
The alleged cash giving of Arroyo was bared last week by Pampanga governor and priest, Ed Panlilio. He alleged that a staff of Malacañan Palace approached him and handed him a paper bag filled with stacks of P1,000 bills amounting to more or less P500,000.
Other governors and congressmen in the meeting confirmed the allegations of Panlilio while governors of the four provinces of Davao have out-rightly denied receiving any cash from the palace.
Gutierrez, however, assured that her office has not received any and will not falter to any pressure brought about by anyone.
"We are an independent and apolitical office, and we are we going to stay that way," Gutierrez added.
