JUSTICE SECRETARY Menardo I. Guevarra said the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) investigation into the alleged “massive corruption” in the gaming-operations of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) “will take a little time” due to the gravity of the issue.
Mr. Guevarra, however, said while he did not give the NBI agents a time frame for the investigation, the bureau has been instructed to make it a high priority.
“We have requested the NBI to give me progress reports every now and then, maybe… a status report after a week probably, baka may initial finding na (maybe there’s initial findings already),” he told reporters on Tuesday after the launch of infomercials against human trafficking in Pasay City.
“I’ll make sure the NBI gives priority to the investigation because we know that people are affected… people who rely on the charitable resources of the PCSO. ‘Yon ‘yung mahalaga, kaya hindi ito patatagalin ng NBI (That is what’s important, so the NBI will not prolong this),” he added.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered the closure of all gaming operations under the PCSO, alleging widespread corruption.
Mr. Guevarra on Monday ordered the NBI to investigate and build a case in preparation for on filing appropriate charges against those found liable.
He also told reporters that the investigation will focus on allegations of non-remittance by small town lotteries and Peryahan ng Bayan of shares due to the government. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas
