‘Mega’ corruption task force to probe state agencies

President Rodrigo Duterte issued a memorandum yesterday, October 27, 2020, directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to probe all the government agencies until the end of his term in 2022.

"I hope that all government workers, officials are listening. This is a memorandum from me to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra... The subject is investigate of allegations of corruption in the entire government—Lahat." President Duterte said in a taped speech.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said today, October 28,2020, that the DOJ has identified 5 state agencies that they would likely prioritize to investigate for alleged corruption following President Duterte’s order.

The following agencies are: PhilHealth, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Land Registration Authority, and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

This ‘Mega’ task force against corruption was warmly welcomed by constitutional law professor Antonio La Viña who said that this is better than filing false charges, red-tagging and charges that waste time.

He added that this is an important problem as corruption is really rampant. La Viña suggested that the task force should keep a short list of “mega people” to be investigated.

“Wag yung pipitsugin, maliliit na tao, mga employee lang. Palaging 100 persons lang hahabulin mo, yung top 100 officials lang in your list. If they have that list, effective yung prosecution,” he said.

The President’s order covers lawmakers – said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque yesterday.

Photo from ABS-CBN News