The Task Force Against Corruption may file this month the first batch of charges against erring officials and personnel of the government involved in illegal activities.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said they have been receiving complaints since October but the special task force has only become fully operational this month. At least 98 complaints have already been directed to them which are mostly related to corruption.
Guevarra warned that the task force will not exempt anyone even if they are lawmakers or members of the legislative branch.
It can be recalled that among the priority agencies and corporations being probed for alleged widespread corruption are PhilHealth, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Land Registration Authority (LRA).
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has vowed in his recent briefing to dedicate the remaining part of his term as Chief Executive to combat corruption. He has issued a warning later in October that resignation of personnel involved in anomalies will not provide them absolution.
“You are not allowed to resign if there is a pending case against you… You are not allowed to resign to escape liability,” he cautioned.
Later in November, he also recommended stiffer penalties for some personnel engaged in grave offenses from suspension to dismissal. – PTV News
