House backs Duterte order for gov’t-wide corruption probe —Velasco

The House of Representatives is fully supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte's order to investigate corruption in the entire government, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said Tuesday.

In a statement, Velasco said House lawmakers fully understand the President's reasons for calling the probe, which could be out of his frustration over chronic corruption in the government.

"House leadership is one with him in his desire to rid the bureaucracy of corrupt officials and employees in the remainder of his term," he said.

Velasco also noted that the President's order was issued amid "incessant attacks" against the House over the alleged involvement of some of its members in supposed corruption activities within the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission commissioner Greco Belgica earlier claimed that some congressmen are “bullying” DPWH district engineers, alleging conspiracy among lawmakers, contractors, and district engineers.

"While we are saddened that some congressmen and the institution have been dragged into this controversy, we welcome such probe by any government agency, as an investigation by the House would be self-serving and would only create a cloud of doubt," Velasco said.

In a taped speech on Tuesday, Duterte ordered the inter-agency task force led by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to conduct the investigation.

He authorized the Department of Justice to decide which allegation to investigate, taking into consideration its gravity and impact on the delivery of government service.

The DOJ may create as many panels as necessary and invite or direct other government bodies to assist in the investigation. — BM, GMA News