Bello still enjoys Duterte’s trust: Palace

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said. (KING RODRIGUEZ/Presidential Photo)

MANILA — Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this comment amid reports that the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) will look into allegation of corruption against Bello.

“Yes, he still has the trust and confidence of the President,” Roque said in a text message to Palace reporters.

Roque said it would be up to the PACC to investigate the complaint filed by Kilusang Pagbabago National Movement for Change Secretary-General Monalie Dizon against Bello and former Undersecretary Dominador Say.

“That’s up to them (PACC),” Roque said.

The complainant linked Bello and Say to an alleged extortion case involving recruitment agency Azzizzah International Manpower Services Inc.

Say resigned last April after he reportedly received around PHP6.8 million to reverse DOLE’s decision to revoke Azzizzah International Manpower Services’ license.

The PACC was created through Executive Order 43 signed by Duterte on Oct. 4, 2016.

The commission “is solely dedicated to providing assistance to the President in the investigation and hearing of administrative cases and complaints, and in the conduct of lifestyle checks and/or fact finding inquiries concerning presidential appointees and other public officers allegedly involved in graft and corrupt practices”.