NBI’s probe into alleged extortion continues despite NFA chief’s resignation — De Lima

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. TWITTER PHOTO

MANILA — Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Friday said the investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into the alleged extortion continues despite the resignation of National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Arthur Juan.

This was the reaction of De Lima when it was confirmed that Juan has tendered his irrevocable resignation as NFA Administrator.

De Lima said the NBI will still submit its final report with recommendations in due time.

”Remember that the act complained of or as alleged by Mr.

Soliman, if verified to be true, constitutes a criminal offense,” she said.

Homerito “Jojo” Soliman had alleged that he was asked by some NFA officials, through text messages and cellphone calls, to hand in the amount of Php15 million in exchange for the dropping of criminal charges filed against him in connection with the raid in his “Purefeeds” warehouse that resulted in the confiscation of sacks of rice which were allegedly mixed with NFA rice.

”Hence, resignation of the alleged perpetrator would not serve to exculpate him from criminal liability,” De Lima stressed.