MANILA – Twelve incumbent congressmen were allegedly involved in corruption activities within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) bared Wednesday.
According to PACC commissioner Greco Belgica, a lawmaker allegedly received a P10-million “payola” from a project contractor, while some congressmen allegedly pocketed five to 15 percent of the budget for government infrastructure projects.
“May isang proyekto na P100 million. Hinihingan daw siya. Hindi daw siya papasukin sa distrito na ‘yun pagka hindi siya nakipag-ayos,” Belgica said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo.
“Meron tayong mga hawak pero kailangan itong imbestigahan at patibayan… Trabaho namin is to put a solid case that will stand in court,” he added.
According to Belgica, the list had been submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte, who opted not to make it public.
“Ang heads up ko lang, hindi pa tapos. We will formally investigate; do this properly, correctly, professionally, na walang diinan, walang sisiraan. ‘Yung totoo lang,” Belgica said.
“I’m not privy to their relationships to the President and it is immaterial to me… when you get into corruption, hiwalay tayo. Ganun ‘yung standard namin,” he added.
The PACC is tasked to investigate and hear cases primarily involving graft and corruption against all presidential appointees and non-elected officials./PN
