MANILA, Philippines -- Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Chair Camilo Sabio defended himself Monday against allegations of nepotism in his office, saying he was allowed by government rules to hire family members as confidential assistants.

He also denied accusations by a group of employees that he was abusing his authority by going on expensive trips abroad, employing “too many” consultants, among other alleged irregularities.

At an impromptu press conference, Sabio answered the allegations a group of employees had lodged against him in an Oct. 28 letter to Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, who was asked to formally investigate the PCGG chair.

Sabio said he welcomed the investigation by the Department of Justice, and would answer all the employees' accusations.

He said there was nothing wrong or inappropriate with his decision to employ family members including his son as part of his staff with “confidential” tasks.

In his employ are his son Jose Gerardo Sabio, who serves as his executive assistant; his son-in-law Alberto Feria, a special assistant; his nephew Patricio Ledonio, a clerk; his brother-in-law Gerardo Ledonio, a special assistant; and another family member Smile Catabas, a clerk.

He said they have been receiving salaries ranging from P9,000 to P25,000, and were serving “terminus” with him, meaning they would also leave the office upon Sabio’s retirement.

“Hiring special assistants is addressed to my discretion, as long as they are doing their jobs,” he told reporters.

Sabio also denied reports that his office once spent $120,000 in one foreign trip, and said he had already explained the foreign travels to chief presidential legal adviser Raul Gonzalez, when the latter was still justice secretary. He provided reporters with copies of a “confidential” December 2008 letter to Gonzalez explaining his foreign travels.

He confirmed that his wife would travel with him as his "nurse and assistant."

Sabio also justified the hiring of several lawyers, even those who had retired, because the office needed “brilliant and seasoned” legal representation.

He said the Office of Solicitor General, which has been defending government officials in cases, had a considerable case load that necessitated the hiring of private consultants.

Sabio cited an executive order designating the PCGG as a “critical agency,” and giving it powers to hire its own staff and determining the salaries of its employees.