MANILA – It is up to the Department of Justice (DOJ) if they will investigate Public Works secretary Mark Villar for alleged corruption, said Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
“The DOJ has the authority to decide which allegations to investigate. We leave it to the task force if they will investigate Sec. Villar,” Roque said during his virtual press conference on Tuesday.
“Pero malinaw si Presidente – walang bahid ng korapsyon si Sec. Villar,” he added. “He is beyond doubt, certainly above corruption in DPWH (Department of Works and Highways). Walang dahilan para magduda sa kanya ang Presidente, a view which the entire Cabinet shares.”
During his address to the public on Tuesday, President Duterte ordered the DOJ task force to investigate corruption in the entire government, including that of DPWH, taking into consideration its gravity and impact on the delivery of government service.
“The DOJ may create as many panels as necessary and invite or direct other government bodies to assist in the investigation,” Duterte said. “The DOJ shall prosecute and file the appropriate charges against those involved in the anomalies.”
“It behooves upon me to see to it na itong corruption mahinto or at least maputol nang konti,” he added. “Let me remind everybody in this government. Your resignation will not save your neck.”
Meanwhile, Justice secretary Menardo Guevarra said he accepts the new challenge posed by the President, but admitted it was the toughest assignment given to him.
Guevarra added that he will first focus on determining the overall strategy and order of priorities of the task force. He is also “tentatively” thinking of forming “several strike forces that will simultaneously attack various corruption-prone agencies.”
Guevarra also urged government workers who have knowledge on alleged corruption to come forward and the “new and expanded DOJ anti-corruption task force will take it from there.”/PN
