Palace: Bello enjoys President’s trust, confidence

Malacañang said Wednesday Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III still enjoys President Rodrigo Duterte’s trust and confidence amid allegations of graft and corruption against the Cabinet official.

“He still has the trust and confidence of the President,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Bello and dismissed Labor Undersecretary Dominador Say are facing a complaint at the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) over alleged illegal activities, including extorting money from recruitment agencies.

Filed last week by Samahang Pagbabago National Movement for Change secretary-general Monalie Dizon, the complaint is now being looked into by the PACC.

“PACC had taken cognizance of the Dizon complaint against Secretary Bello. A commissioner had been assigned to study and investigate the complaint. A fact finding inquiry is in the offing,” PACC Commissioner Manuelito Luna told GMA News Online.

Bello has denied the allegations and even vowed to resign from his post if the advocacy group can show proof that he was involved in corruption.

He said the accusations against him may have been linked to his bid to succeed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, who is set to retire on July 26 following a seven-year term.

The screening body Judicial and Bar Council on Friday will submit to President Rodrigo Duterte the shortlist of nominees from which he will pick the next Ombudsman. — RSJ, GMA News