Anti-graft commission 'redundant,' 'unconstitutional,' Alejano says

Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano on Thursday slammed the creation of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, which is tasked to investigate graft and corrupt acts committed by presidential appointees and public officers.

In a statement, Alejano said the executive order which created the body undermines the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman and encroaches on its functions.

"The Commission serves essentially the same functions as that of the Office of the Ombudsman," he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte on October 4 signed Executive Order No. 43, creating the anti-graft commission dedicated to assist the President in investigating and hearing administrative cases and complaints.

The commission's objective is the "conduct of lifestyle checks and/or fact-finding inquiries concerning presidential appointees and other public officers allegedly involved in graft and corrupt practices, or have committed other higher crimes and/or violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees."

Alejano, however, said the timing of the creation of the commission is "highly suspicious" as the executive order was released at the time the Ombudsman announced that it would begin its investigation into the alleged multi-billion peso hidden wealth of the President's family.

"Obviously, this is an attempt to threaten and silence the said office (Ombudsman), which is an independent constitutional body," he said.

Alejano also found it "ironic" that Duterte created the body when he, himself, has refused to sign a waiver that will allow a scrutiny of his alleged hidden wealth despite repeated calls for him to do so.

"Someone who is being accused of corruption does not have the moral ascendancy on fighting corruption. Kung ang Pangulo ay determinado at totoo sa kanyang pangakong pagbabago, dapat ay pagka-upo pa lamang niya ay sinimulan na niya ang mga hakbang kontra-korapsyon," he said.

"Sa ngayon, mas nararapat na suportahan niya na lamang ang Ombudsman na gawin ang tungkulin nito at hayaang gumulong ang imbestigasyon laban sa kanya. He should lead by example," he added. — BAP, GMA News