MANILA – The leadership of the House of Representatives on Wednesday vowed to fast-track the passage of various measures to combat corruption in government.
House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez made the commitment following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive for a large-scale investigation into allegations of corruption in the entire government.
“In an effort to further the President’s advocacy against corruption, the House of Representatives would work harder to fast-track the approval of all pending measures related to the anti-red tape and anti-corruption campaign of the Duterte administration,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez noted that the House is in “full agreement” with Duterte to end the “deep-rooted, systemic and systematic corruption” in the government.
“We are always in full support of the marching orders from President Duterte for Congress to go all out in helping curb red tape and corruption in all levels of governance,” Romualdez said.
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said the chamber is fully supportive of Duterte to rid the bureaucracy of corrupt officials and employees in the remainder of his term.
Velasco noted that Duterte issued the directive following incessant attacks against the House due to the alleged involvement of some of its members in corruption activities in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“While we are saddened that some congressmen and the institution have been dragged into this controversy, we welcome such probe by any government agency, as an investigation by the House would be self-serving and would only create a cloud of doubt,” Velasco said.
Duterte said the Department of Justice may also prosecute and file appropriate charges against those involved in anomalies investigated whether against the government or private person as may be warranted by evidence gathered.
“The power and authority of the DOJ under existing laws and previous directives to investigate the commission of crimes and prosecute violators shall not in any way be diminished by this directive,” he added.
Duterte said the directive would be in effect until June 30, 2022, unless sooner lifted or revoked.