PNoy orders probe into ‘irregular’ pork transactions of Natl. Commission on Muslim Filipinos

(Updated 2:46 p.m.) President Benigno Aquino III has ordered concerned Cabinet officials to look into the allegedly irregular pork transactions of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), an agency which is under the Office of the President.

During an ambush interview on Monday, Aquino said he has ordered Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Cabinet Sec, Jose Rene Almendras, and Budget Sec. Butch Abad to prepare a report on the matter.

"I told them I need this as soon as possible and I want it as thorough and as complete and as correct as possible," he said.

He issued the statement after The Philippine Star in a story published Monday quoted a Commission on Audit report as saying there were alleged irregularities in the allocation of over P515 million in pork barrel funds to the NCMF.

But Aquino said he will clarify with COA whether these are their findings or if this is just an observation audit memo, meaning they are still awaiting explanation from concerned individuals.
 
"I want to make sure exactly what went to whom, and why was it coursed through the NCMF... I was not clearly aware or immediately aware that they were a conduit or an implementing agency for various PDAF projects," he said.
 
"So I want to get as thorough knowledge as possible," he added.? —KG, GMA News