THE Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has filed graft complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against an assistant secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and two directors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).
PACC chairman Greco Belgica yesterday said charges of violation of the anti-graft law (Republic Act 3019) was filed online on May 5 against DPWH assistant secretary for regional operations Antonio Molano Jr. and EMB directors Metodio Turbella and Lormelyn Claudio.
He said the physical copies of the complaint would be filed once the Office of the Ombudsman opens.
Belgica said administrative charges have also been filed against the three officials. He said the PACC has likewise recommended that the three be placed on preventive suspension.
“The Ombudsman will determine if suspension is warranted by the evidence we submitted,” he added.
The three officials were charged for the alleged anomalous issuance of permits and certificates in connection with the dredging of the Macolcol River in Santo Tomas in Zambales, and the flood control project in San Narciso also in Zambales.
Belgica said his office’s investigation report on the cases have been submitted to the Ombudsman. The PACC was created through Executive Order 43 to investigate presidential appointees and other public officers allegedly involved in graft and corrupt practices, or have committed other higher crimes and/or violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
President Duterte has repeatedly vowed to intensify the government’s campaign against corruption during the remainder of his term.
