Ombudsman creates special team to probe P10-B pork barrel scam

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines—Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Tuesday created a special team of investigators to look into the alleged “ghost projects” funded by the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of members of Congress.

Morales said the panel will be composed of six graft investigators and will conduct a parallel investigation in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation.

The Ombudsman initiated the findings following reports on the misuse of P10-billion pork barrel funds.

Under the Ombudsman Act of 1989, the Ombudsman may on its own, even without complaint, initiate any investigation against erring government employees.

Whistle-blower Benhur Luy and JLN Corporation owners Janet Lim-Napoles and Reynald Lim, who has been tagged in the scam, are all facing complaints before the Ombudsman regarding the fertilizer fund scam.