Sotto wants PACC to namedrop lawmakers involved in DPWH corruption
October 27, 2020 06:44 PM
Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III requested the PACC to disclose the names of the individuals allegedly involved in the corrupt operations within DPWH.
"Yun ang maganda, para hindi…magagalit 'yung iba diyan... Ang nangyayari diyan, everybody is suspect. Pangalanan and then show the evidence."
Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III requested the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) to disclose the names of the individuals allegedly involved in the corrupt operations within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The PACC has recently announced they are conducting a probe into the corruption claims within DPWH. The department has been reported to have delayed and overpriced projects. Likewise, they also faced numerous questions regarding the billions worth of lump-sum appropriations for their future infrastructure projects.
The Senate President said if the PACC names the individuals, it would prevent others from being labeled a suspect.
"Yun ang maganda, para hindi…magagalit 'yung iba diyan... Ang nangyayari diyan, everybody is suspect. Pangalanan and then show the evidence," he stressed.
(That's what they should do so other people don't get mad. Because what's happening right now is everyone's a suspect. Name them and then show the evidence)
PACC doesn't want to compromise ongoing probe
PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica claimed that congressmen have the power to influence the DPWH's choice of district engineers and contractors which gives way to corruption within their agency.
He also said that disclosing the names of the involved persons at this early stage could undermine the investigation.
“Eh di para ko pong sinabi sa huhulihin na huhulihin na siya,” Belgica replied.
(Then it would be like I just warned the suspect of their arrest)
However, Sotto still believes that revealing the identities of the alleged officials will help eradicate the issue in the department.
"Paano matitigil kung hindi mo ilalantad? Sino sa Public Works ang gumagawa niyan? Ano ang ebidensiya na ginawa nila 'yan? 'Yun ang importante para matigil once and for all," he said.
(How will you stop it if you don't say who they are? Who, in Public Works, are involved? Where is the evidence that points to them? That's important so they can be stopped once and for all)
Sotto claims his colleagues are clean
As senate president, Sotto expressed his trust for his fellow lawmakers.
"Wala akong nakikita sa dalampu’t-tatlong senador na katulad noong binibintang," he said.
(I don't see anyone from the 23 senators who fit the allegations)
He also added they should publicize the names of those involved regardless of their positions.
“Kailangang ilabas natin, patunayan natin, sinu-sino ‘yung mga contractor, sino ‘yung mga congressman, sino ‘yung mga senator, legislator, or Cabinet member—kahit sino, ilabas natin," Sotto declared.
(We need to disclose their names and prove it. Who are these contractors, congressmen, senators, legislators, or Cabinet members—no matter who it is, we should name them)
