Aquino allies next in pork scam probe

Photo: Facebook Page of Pres. Benigno Aquino III

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino’s allies are next in line.

Following Vice President Jejomar Binay’s challenge to the government to probe its allies involved in the pork barrel scam, a reliable source said that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is already preparing the next batches of complaints on the misuse of the congressional Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). The source said it includes Aquino’s allies.

“The next complaints will include names allied with the current administration and even members of the Liberal Party,” the source said in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The source added that the NBI would submit the report to the Office of the Ombudsman at the end of the month or early May.

“These will be filed as soon as the paper trail and documentation are completed,” the source said, adding that the next batches of lawmakers to be charged have misused PDAF funds reaching P50 million, the threshold for plunder.

The testimonies and documentary evidence submitted by the whistle blowers, along with the financial records provided by Benhur Luy, documents from other implementing agencies and Commission on Audit reports will be used as evidence against the next batches of lawmakers.

The source refused to comment if the next batches include other senators.