DILG defends CIDG’s probe of LGU corruption

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) defended its decision to let the Philippine National Police (PNP) investigate allegations of corruption among local government units (LGUs), saying it was legal.

“The DILG is conscientious in exercising its powers vested by law. The Department would not give a directive to the PNP that is outside the bounds of the law,” Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya said in an interview on Tuesday.

He cited  R.A. 10973 — a newly passed law which amended the DILG Act of 1990 — allowing the PNP Chief, and the Director and Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to look into allegations of corruption.

“The DILG’s directive to the PNP is under the Bantay Korapsyon program of the government.  And the CIDG’s issuance of subpoena is authorized under RA 10973. It is needed for subpoenas to be issued because that is inherent in investigations,” Malaya added.

R.A. 10973, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 1, 2018, says that the police “shall have the power to administer oath, and issue subpoena and subpoena duces tucum in relation to its investigation”.

Previously, DILG Acting Secretary Eduardo Año directed the PNP to investigate LGUs for possible irregularities in the disbursement of public funds, based on complaints received through the 8888 hotline and Presidential Complaints Center.

According to the DILG, 37 municipalities and cities are being scrutinized by the CIDG.

Malaya noted that the Ombudsman and Commission on Audit do not have the monopoly of conducting investigations on supposed abuses by public offices.

“The Commission on Audit and the Office of the Ombudsman do not have the exclusive authority to investigate corruption cases.  It is concurrently shared with other government agencies like the PNP,” he explained.

“The DILG’s hands are full already with concerns and reform agenda in the interior and local government sectors. The least the Department wants is to get embroiled in an issue on usurpation of authority,” he added. /cbb