MANILA, Philippines -- Justice Secretary Leila de Lima created yesterday a five-man fact-finding and evidence evaluation committee to look into the alleged corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) despite absence of the formal complaint of military whistleblower retired Colonel George Rabusa. In her department order No. 237 dated March 29, 2011, De Lima designated Senior State Prosecutor (SSP) Theodore M. Villanueva, Assistant City Prosecutor (ACP) Alfredo Agcaoili, State Prosecutor Merba Waga, State Counsel Charlene Mae C. Tapic and lawyer Gregorio Arizala as members of the committee.
The committee, De Lima stressed, shall receive all communications, information and report of graft and corruption, or any anomalies in the AFP.
“The committee shall gather, collect, receive, review assess and evaluate evidence related to or regarding such cases of corruption and anomalies, and when there is reason to believe that corruption, any anomaly, or violation of law has been committed, recommended to the Department the prosecution or filing of cases against such persons who appear responsible and liable therefore,” she said.
De Lima opted to proceed with the fact-finding into the corruption in the AFP despite absence of complaint affidavit of Rabusa.
The former chair of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said the panel has to proceed with its fact-finding while waiting for the affidavit of Rabusa.
Jeamma Sabate, Manila Bulletin
