Mega task force formed vs corruption

DAVAO CITY, Philippines, October 28 ------ Bewailing what he called untrammeled corruption in government, President Duterte yesterday ordered an investigation of the entire bureaucracy, assigning the job to a “mega task force” – the same body that investigated irregularities in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), but with expanded powers.

In a recorded televised address yesterday, the President said he has ordered the special body that investigated PhilHealth to expand its probe to include the entire government, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He said officials and personnel should expect suspensions in the next few days as his administration goes full throttle in its drive against corruption.

“In the coming days, expect suspension. Kung i-suspend kita, may duda ako. Hindi ako mag-suspend ng walang kasalanan” the President said. Duterte said the investigating body’s powers will remain until the end of his term on June 30, 2022 or even beyond, unless his successor abolishes it. He ordered Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to again lead the revitalized task force.

“This is my second call for a total campaign against corruption. Iyong task force na nabuo ko, this time we will look into every department. But upon my request, to focus on corruption in DPWH,” he said in his address broadcast from Davao City yesterday morning. “I hope that all government workers, officials are listening. This is a memorandum to (Justice) Secretary Menardo Guevarra to investigate allegations of corruption in the entire government,” he added.

Duterte created the task force in August to investigate PhilHealth. It was led by the Department of Justice and included officials from the Office of the Ombudsman, Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission, Office of the Executive Secretary, Office of the President and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission. The task force’s next priority after DPWH is the Department of Agriculture. Despite his request for “special focus” on DPWH, Duterte reiterated his trust in Secretary Mark Villar.

“Let me state here and now: I have nothing against Secretary Villar. He’s one of the hardworking at maraming accomplishments. But accomplishments alone, to me, should not suffice,” he said. “In pursuit of this directive, the DOJ shall have the authority to decide which allegation to investigate, taking into consideration the gravity thereof and their impact on the delivery of government service,” Duterte said in his order to the DOJ chief. Duterte said the DOJ may create as many panels as it deems necessary and may even invite or direct other bodies and agencies of the government to assist or be a part of the panel.

The Chief Executive also stressed that the DOJ shall prosecute and file the appropriate charges against all those found involved in the anomalies. “The power and authority of the DOJ under existing laws and previous directives to investigate the commission of crimes and prosecute violators shall not, in any way, be diminished by this directive. This directive shall remain in effect until June 30 of 2022,” he said. He said he trusts that the ombudsman will vigorously perform its function of investigating and prosecuting errant officials.

“But pagka akyat kasi nito, may recommendation na. And if the ombudsman will say that it’s a well-studied complaint, then obviously you are going to jail,” Duterte said. He said corrupt officials should bear in mind that it’s their families and loved ones who would ultimately suffer shame and humiliation. The President likewise reiterated he has no plans to dissolve PhilHealth despite its being hounded by corruption.

Source: philstar.com