Saying without proof that the killing of a Korean businessman was part of a bigger destabilization plot, high-ranking government officials should instead focus on finding solutions, a lawmaker said.

“Listening to those apparently implicated, there’s enough reason to know they acted for their own benefit, and not as part of a plot,” said Senator Grace Poe in an interview on ANC.

For example, Poe said, SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel appeared to have been building up his wealth for years, not just during President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

“The problem for the PNP (Philippine National Police) goes beyond this administration. It's been happening in past administrations,” she said.

This is why she does not believe statements by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno connecting the death of Jee Ick-joo to an alleged plot to remove Duterte from the country’s top post.

She added that it was “quite irresponsible” for the two members of the Cabinet to air their speculations.

“If they have evidence, then by all means, they should continue with that investigation,” she said.

On Monday, Aguirre said that news of the kidnapping and death of Jee, which involved members of the police force, was an indirect attempt to destroy Duterte.