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Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Probe sought on ‘extortion’ by CA members (1:54 p.m.)
MANILA -- An opposition congressman has urged Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez to investigate the reported extortion activities by some members of the 12-man House contingent to the Commission on Appointments (CA).
Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) party-list Representative Joel Villanueva urged Gutierrez “to show its iron fist” in determining the truth behind allegations made by outgoing Negros Oriental Representative Herminio Teves that some congressmen who sit in the CA demanded P5 million in exchange for the confirmation of the appointment of his son, Margarito “Gary” Teves, as finance secretary.
Secretary Teves had been bypassed by the CA twice already.
Villanueva believes that there is enough good reason for Gutierrez to look into the controversy hounding the CA.
“The Office of the Ombudsman can start its own inquiry in line with their intensified campaign against graft and corruption in public service,” said Villanueva. “An investigation to clear the issue is in order so that the institution (House of Representatives) will not be damaged in general. The Ombudsman has something very huge to contribute in this,” he added.
Outgoing Surigao del Sur Representative Prospero Pichay, who chairs the 12-man House contingent to CA, criticized Congressman Teves for what he called as “irresponsible allegation.” (Sunnex) |
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