PRESIDENT Duterte has formally dissolved the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) whose head he fired three months ago for allegations of corruption.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) said is has submitted to the President its findings on two Cabinet secretaries it investigated for corruption. The officials remained unnamed.
On the PRRC, Executive Order 93 was signed by Duterte on November 8 but was released by Malacañang only yesterday.
The PRRC’s functions were transferred to several agencies including the Manila Bay Task Force which will lead the implementation of the Pasig River rehabilitation master plan, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development was designated to lead the relocation of informal settlers and other unauthorized occupants along the banks of the Pasig River.
The Metro Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, concerned local chief executives, and the PNP Maritime Group shall ensure the dismantling and removal of all structures, constructions, and other encroachments established or built along Pasig River, among others.
The President in September fired PRRC executive director Jose Antonio Goitia for alleged involvement in corrupt activities and announced his plan to abolish the agency. He also transferred the chairmanship of the PRRC to the DENR.
On the Cabinet secretaries, PACC Commissioner and spokesman Greco Belgica said the body submitted its recommendations to the President before the All Saints’/All Souls’ Day break.
Belgica declined to name the Cabinet members that were investigated and reiterated the probe started in August was based on complaints of corruption received by the PACC.
He also did not provide details of the complaints.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, concurrent presidential spokesman, said the President would have the PACC report reviewed and validated before making a decision.