'Less than 12' congressmen linked to DPWH corruption —Belgica

Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) head Greco Belgica on Wednesday said the number of congressmen who were included in the agency’s list of those involved in corruption is “less than 12.”

In a television interview on Wednesday, Belgica said these lawmakers, who he did not identify, should face formal investigation.

"’Yung exact number is less than 12 ang alam ko na-submit sa Pangulo na nakita namin after validation. Kailangan maimbestigahan ito nang pormal,” he told CNN Philippines.

“We need solid documents. We need probably forensic,” he added.

According to Belgica, these lawmakers were linked to some anomalous projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

However, Belgica said that PACC cannot pursue further investigation on them because the commission is only mandated to cover presidential appointees and not elected officials like legislators.

“In the course of our investigation, some of it, merong mga gaya ng isa naming witness nagsasabi tungkol nga sa connivance, porsyentuhan, which involves of course DPWH, contractors,” he said.

“Tapos, merong ilang nagsasabi merong mga parte ang mga legislators, hindi lahat, for specific projects,” he added.

Belgica pointed out that the investigation should be tasked to “competent authorities” such as the Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, and the National Bureau of Investigation.

The list was already forwarded to President Rodrigo Duterte, who, like Belgica, refused to name the congressmen.

Asked if there are lawmakers on the list that are allies of Duterte, Belgica said their investigation is not centered on political parties. --KBK, GMA News