Duterte Cabinet Members Investigation Elicits Reaction From Bello

DOLE Sec. Silvestre Bello Reacts To PACC’s Duterte Cabinet Members Investigation

DUTERTE CABINET MEMBERS INVESTIGATION – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello reacted to the investigation about him by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

The battle against corruption continues under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. It is one of the main promises of the former Davao City Mayor during the campaign period.

Under the Duterte administration, several people who were linked to corruption issues have been removed from their office. Some were asked to leave their posts.

Recently, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) announced that they are investigating three members of the cabinet of Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

PACC Commissioner Manuelito Luna
Photo Courtesy of INQUIRER / Aries Joseph Hegina

According to PACC Comissioner Atty. Manuelito Luna, they are investigating 3 Duterte Cabinet members.

PACC named DOLE Sec. Silvestre Bello III, Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) Director Isidro Lapeña, and National Commission on Indigenous People Chairperson Atty. Leonor Quintayao.

Silvestre Bello III, Atty. Leonor Quintayao, Isidro Lapeña
ABS-CBN News | Arjay Barrios/Cartwheel Foundation | Boy Santos/Philstar

According to Luna, the investigation on Lapeña stemmed over the controversial shipment when he was still the Customs commissioner while Atty. Quintayao is under investigation over her alleged neglect of duty.

With regards to the investigation of Labor Chief Silvestre Bello III, the PACC Commissioner claimed that they received complaints from the owners of agencies.

Recently, Bello has broken his silence on the Duterte cabinet members investigation by the PACC.

Silvestre Bello
Photo Courtesy of INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, speaking to radio DZMM, Bello claimed that no copy of any complaint against him reached his camp.

According to the Labor Chief, he only knew about the investigation on him after the PACC Commissioner made the announcement. He stressed that the probe should be “discreet” to the respondents as well.

“Under the executive order creating the PACC, iyung pag-iimbestiga should be discreet in fairness to the respondents. Inuunahan naman niya (Luna),” he said.

The Labor Chief also stressed that he should have been given the chance to air his side.

Based on the report, according to Bello, he is going to ask Pres. Duterte to remove Luna from being the PACC Commissioner over the alleged “grave abuse of authority”.

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