No order to probe OVP for corruption: Guevarra

FILE: Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo. (Photo: VP Leni Robredo/Facebook)

MANILA – Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday belied reports that the task force designated to probe corruption is investigating the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on orders from the Palace.

“No, walang ganun (No, there is no such thing)” Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

However, Guevarra said that no government agency, including the OVP, is exempted from the investigation “if there is any complaint about any corruption”.

DOJ undersecretary and spokesperson Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said the task force is still consolidating reports from the public on corruption in agencies.

“The Operations Center secretariat is still in the process of consolidating the complaints they received and those received by DOJAC (DOJ Action Center) as there has been a sudden surge in complaints this week. (The) estimated number is more than 60 already,” Villar said.

She said the usual complaints are against the Department of Public Works and Highways which “involves alleged anomalies/irregularities in construction projects outside Metro Manila”.

The task force earlier said it has set parameters to determine which allegations would be considered. A minimum threshold of PHP1 billion in public funds involved will be one of the parameters.

The group, headed by the DOJ, is composed of the National Bureau of Investigation, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, Office of the Special Assistant to the President, National Prosecution Service, and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.