Ombudsman to start probe on 'cash gifts' motu propio
10/19/2007 | 04:52 PM
The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday said it will conduct its own investigation on the alleged distribution of “cash gifts" to congressmen and local government executives in Malacañang last week.
This, as the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) - which started probing the issue early this week upon orders of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - indicated that it may cease its investigation to give way for the Ombudsman probe.
Deputy Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni said they have decided to probe the controversy, motu propio or without formal complaint, noting that the controversy has already figured prominently in the media.
"In accordance with our power to investigate alleged corruption cases, motu propio, the office is investigating the cash gift controversy since it has come out in the news," Jalandoni said.
Jalandoni said the Ombudsman will probe the incident "as a whole" or in its rightful context by taking the testimonies of congressmen and governors who admitted to receiving cash amounting to P500,000 after a recent meeting with President Arroyo.
For his part, PAGC commissioner James Jacob said they might cease their probe into the controversy and give way for the Ombudsman’s investigation.
Jacob admitted that the Ombudsman has a wider jurisdiction compared to his agency, noting that PAGC can only investigate presidential appointees.
He added that this will prevent duplication of efforts.
PAGC has already started its investigation on the issue and has, in fact, sent out subpoenas and invitations to officials involved in the bribery scandal.
On Wednesday, Manila City Rep. Bienvenido Abante confirmed that money changed hands during last week’s meeting in the Palace.
Abante said he himself received P500,000 after the breakfast meeting called by President Arroyo which was attended by some 185 majority administration congressmen. Abante said there was no mention where the money was intended for.
Prior to Abante’s admission, several officials including Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio and Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza confirmed getting cash gifts from Malacañang and sought Malacañang’s explanation on the purpose of the distribution of cash gifts.
This controversy came on the heels of the allegations made by Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran that an official of President Arroyo's political party offered him a P2-million bribe in exchange for his endorsement of a "weak" impeachment case lodged against Mrs Arroyo. - GMANews.TV
This, as the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) - which started probing the issue early this week upon orders of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - indicated that it may cease its investigation to give way for the Ombudsman probe.
Deputy Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni said they have decided to probe the controversy, motu propio or without formal complaint, noting that the controversy has already figured prominently in the media.
"In accordance with our power to investigate alleged corruption cases, motu propio, the office is investigating the cash gift controversy since it has come out in the news," Jalandoni said.
Jalandoni said the Ombudsman will probe the incident "as a whole" or in its rightful context by taking the testimonies of congressmen and governors who admitted to receiving cash amounting to P500,000 after a recent meeting with President Arroyo.
For his part, PAGC commissioner James Jacob said they might cease their probe into the controversy and give way for the Ombudsman’s investigation.
Jacob admitted that the Ombudsman has a wider jurisdiction compared to his agency, noting that PAGC can only investigate presidential appointees.
He added that this will prevent duplication of efforts.
PAGC has already started its investigation on the issue and has, in fact, sent out subpoenas and invitations to officials involved in the bribery scandal.
On Wednesday, Manila City Rep. Bienvenido Abante confirmed that money changed hands during last week’s meeting in the Palace.
Abante said he himself received P500,000 after the breakfast meeting called by President Arroyo which was attended by some 185 majority administration congressmen. Abante said there was no mention where the money was intended for.
Prior to Abante’s admission, several officials including Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio and Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza confirmed getting cash gifts from Malacañang and sought Malacañang’s explanation on the purpose of the distribution of cash gifts.
This controversy came on the heels of the allegations made by Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran that an official of President Arroyo's political party offered him a P2-million bribe in exchange for his endorsement of a "weak" impeachment case lodged against Mrs Arroyo. - GMANews.TV
