Guevarra to probe corrupt prosecutors

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said yesterday that he would conduct his own investigation against alleged corrupt state prosecutors.

“With or without any instruction from the President, I will commence our internal investigation within the DOJ (Department of Justice),” said Guevarra in a text message.

Recently, President Duterte disclosed that more government officials including DOJ prosecutors are being investigated for graft and corruption.

The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) already identified four prosecutors under investigation, namely, Samina Sampaco MacabandoUsman, Benjamin Lanto, Clemente Villanueva, and Florencio dela Cruz.

“The complaint will most likely be filed with the Ombudsman, but it doesn’t prevent the DOJ from conducting its own investigation through its Internal Affairs Unit,” said Guevarra.

“The Ombudsman will focus on the criminal aspect, the DOJ on the administration aspect,” he explained.

PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica said he has already recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to have the Office of the Ombudsman investigate those listed as involved in the smuggling of gold and jewelry including the four prosecutors.

Recently, the President axed Justice Assistant Secretary Moslemen Macarambon Sr. for allegedly intervening on behalf of his in-laws who are allegedly gold and jewelry on smugglers.

Macarambon is also on the list of the PACC.