PACC: 2 Cabinet members under probe for corruption

Two Cabinet members are under investigation for alleged corrupt practices, an official of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) said Wednesday.

PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica declined to identify the Cabinet officials, saying it would be unfair to them.

“Our investigation cannot be revealed to the public until it has been submitted to the President. The President decides on it [and] then it can be opened to the public,” Belgica said at a news conference in Malacañang.

“Ang investigation kasi doesn’t mean they’re already guilty. It’s unfair to mention them and make them appear na corrupt.”

Belgica said the PACC is almost finished with its investigation which stemmed from complaints filed against the two Cabinet officials early this year. He said the findings will be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte and the Office of the Ombudsman.

He also said the Cabinet officials concerned have been cooperative in the investigation.

Sought for comment, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte does not have to be aware of the ongoing probe against two of his Cabinet members.

“When the investigation is done that’s the time he will decide on its recommendation. He doesn’t interfere with the work of the PACC,” Panelo said in a message to reporters.

The PACC is also investigating 15 past and present officials of the Philippine Charity Sweeptakes Office, which included a lifestyle check that will be completed in two to three months.

Belgica also revealed that the commission has probed three government officials for alleged excessive travels and is conducting investigation and lifestyle checks — in cooperation with law enforcement agencies and the Anti-Money Laundering Council — on officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs.

“Let it be known that we will show no mercy [to] corrupt officials,” he said.

“We will file cases, we will make it go through the process and at the same time, we will recognize and acknowledge offices and agencies that are really working very hard and meeting the target of the President for us to give a better/comfortable life for our people.” —KBK, GMA News