Independent probe on 'Alabang Boys' case to start Thursday

MANILA, Philippines - The independent body created by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to look into the bribery scandal involving the “Alabang Boys” drug case will start its investigation on Thursday. Radio dzBB’s Tuesday Niu quoted Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez as saying that the schedule was finalized after President Arroyo signed the order empowering the panel to conduct probe. Administrative Order 252, signed last January 29, also ordered the Justice Department, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and all executive offices to cooperate with the panel in relation to the “Alabang Boys” case. The order was received by the agencies on Monday. The independent panel will be headed by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Carol Griño-Aquino, with former Court of Appeals Justice Raoul Victorino and Fr. Ranhilio Aquino as members. It will look into the conduct of the prosecutors in the handling and resolution of the case and to validate the findings of the NBI with regards to the allegations of bribery. The NBI had earlier ruled that the bribery allegations were baseless. Malacañang gave the panel 15 days from the date of final creation to come up with its findings and to submit its recommendations to the President. The order also said all officials and employees of the executive who may be invited by the committee as resource persons should attend its hearings and discussions, answer all queries, and submit all pertinent documents. “All heads of offices shall ensure the prompt cooperation, assistance and attendance of their officials and employees who may be invited as resource persons by the committee,” the order read. - GMANews.TV