By Alec Go
Malacañang has tapped the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate an unconfirmed immigrations commissioner appointment document bearing the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in the Palace briefing on Tuesday, Aug. 30, that Malacañang did not issue the appointment paper which was possibly forged.
“Tungo dito at matapos ang pagtatanong at pagsisiyasat, wala pong dokumento na ganoon sa Presidential Management Staff, sa Office of the Executive Secretary, or sa Office of the President. Walang record ng dokumento na ‘yon,” she said.
“Ayon sa Revised Penal Code, Art. 61, ang pag-forge ng Great Seal of the Government, signature ng Presidente or stamp ng President ay pinaparusahan ng reclusion temporal. Ang reclusion temporal ay 12-20 years,” she added.
Angeles said Marcos did not impose a deadline for the investigation, while noting that the PNP and NBI have the capability to investigate forged documents.
The official said they have yet to see the result of the investigation, and that they do not have any presumptions on whether or not the appointee on the paper will be included in the investigation.
“’Yung ganitong klaseng crime can cause instability, and ito ang pangunahing nasa isip ng ating Pangulo na magkakagulo kung ganitong pababayaan nating mangyari,” she said.
“Signature ng ating Pangulo ang pinaghihinalaan nating na-forge, so medyo mabigat ang implications niyan. Hindi rin natin alam kung anong maaaring paggamitan ng mga ganoon klaseng dokumento,” she added.
On Monday, Angeles clarified that Marcos has not yet made any appointment for immigration commissioner.
This followed reports and social media posts that Atty. Abraham Espejo, former dean of New Era University’s College of Law, has been selected for the post. – gb
