Rody clueless on identities of Cabinet execs probed by PACC

President Duterte is clueless on the identities of two Cabinet secretaries reportedly being investigated by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

“In fact, I asked the President, ‘do you have any idea?’ ‘No’,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said yesterday, referring to the President’s response.

PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica revealed on Wednesday that the body is investigating two Cabinet officials based on the complaints received by the PACC.

Panelo reiterated yesterday that the President does not interfere in the job of the PACC as he would rather just wait for the agency to make its recommendations regarding corruption allegations against officials.

“The duty of an agency, like in this particular instance – PACC, iyon ang trabaho nila eh (that’s their job). So, until such time there are findings, final findings and report, recommendation, the President will not know of it. The President does not interfere,” he said.

On the issue of excessive foreign travels, Panelo said the Palace expects Cabinet officials and other top government officials to follow the executive order banning all forms of junkets.

Duterte signed Executive Order No. 77 on March 15 this year, which provides the new rules and regulations for official local and foreign travels of government personnel.

“If travel circumstances, such as the nature of activity, purpose and itinerary, indicate that the trip is mainly intended for personal purposes, no part thereof shall be considered as official,” the EO read.

Several ranking government officials, including former Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor chair Terry Ridon, have been fired by the President supposedly for excessive travels abroad.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, meanwhile, said he is open to Belgica’s proposal for Cabinet members to undergo lifestyle check.

“That’s very good. I welcome that as a matter of fact especially for me until now I still live in Bulacan. That is okay I guess, that is a very healthy exercise and that will dispel any doubts about the integrity of the Cabinet members,” said Guevarra.

However, he added, it should be noted that there are Cabinet members who were already rich even before they joined the Duterte administration.

“So do not be surprised if they have high net worth because they are already wealthy before they joined the government.”