DOJ to refer corruption raps vs. solons to Ombudsman

Guevarra added that “when it comes to criminal investigation and prosecution, no one is exempt, except those enjoying immunity from suit during their tenure”. (File Photo: Office of the Ombudsman Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said he received instructions on going after public officials, who do not belong to the executive department, in the course of the investigations into corruption allegations.

“The President stated that if the involvement of a member of Congress, for instance, is germane to the anomalous transaction, then the latter’s inclusion in criminal charges will have to be endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman through the Secretary of Justice,” Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Guevarra added that “when it comes to criminal investigation and prosecution, no one is exempt, except those enjoying immunity from suit during their tenure”.

“The rule is different in administrative cases. the President has neither supervision nor control over other branches of the government and therefore may not investigate them for misconduct, dishonesty, and the like, as he (PRRD) correctly pointed out,” he added.

In a public address on Monday night, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would refer to the Office of the Ombudsman information he received about some members of the House of Representatives who allegedly received kickbacks from project contractors.

Duterte bared that he received a list of lawmakers who were allegedly involved in corruption in projects in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

He said the list was given to him by Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Greco Belgica.

However, he refused to investigate and name these lawmakers saying he has no jurisdiction over members of a co-equal branch of government.