Duterte may create task force to probe alleged corruption in DPWH —Palace

Malacañang said Wednesday it was not ruling out the possibility that President Rodrigo Duterte will create a separate task force to probe the allegations of corruption hounding the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This comes a day after the DPWH announced that it had created an anti-corruption unit that will investigate anomalies allegedly perpetrated by the department’s officials and employees based on “valid complaints.”

“It’s a step towards the right direction. But this initial step is without prejudice to whatever the President may order in the near future,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a CNN Philippines interview.

“It’s not inconceivable that another task force of the DPWH may be formed by the President, in the same way that he formed one for the PhilHealth [Philippine Health Insurance Corporation].”

Roque said the creation of a separate investigation team will depend on “how this new task force will operate, if it is credible, if it can hold individuals accountable for their acts.”

“Because the President has vowed to the nation that he will devote his remaining two years term in office in cleansing the ranks of government,” he said.

On Monday night, Duterte said those occupying lower ranks are likely to be involved in corruption.

He also vouched for DPWH Secretary Mark Villar’s integrity, saying he does not need to steal public funds because he is rich.

Villar, son of billionaire businessman Manuel Villar and incumbent Senator Cynthia Villar, had a net worth of 1.408 billion in 2018, according to government data.  —KBK, GMA News