PACC Commissioner clarifies: We’re not asking NBI to investigate Robredo
MANILA, Philippines — A commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) on Wednesday clarified that the agency was not asking the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate Vice President Leni Robredo for supposedly competing with the national government efforts in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Commissioner Greco Belgica, in a statement, moreover said that fellow PACC Commissioner Manuelito Luna’s previous statement was merely his “personal opinion” and request, and does not reflect the sentiments of the anti-corruption body as a whole.
“PACC is not asking anyone to investigate VP Leni Robredo,” Belgica stated.
“It was a personal opinion and request made by one of the commissioners of PACC that does not reflect the sentiments of the commission,” he added.
Earlier, Luna said that the NBI should probe Robredo for “illegal solicitations” aside from her efforts to fight the viral disease.
READ: PACC to NBI: Probe Robredo for ‘competing with national govt’ in fight vs COVID-19
Article continues after this advertisementSuch efforts of the Vice President, Luna pointed out, were free shuttle services, the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the opening of free dormitories for front liners of the COVID-19, among others.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Office of the Vice President later called the move as “ridiculous, absurd and out of touch.”
READ: OVP camp: Call on NBI to probe Leni for ‘competition’ in COVID-19 fight is ‘absurd’
Belgica, likewise, said that the PACC was thankful to everyone, including Robredo, fo helping the frontliners and the needy.
“This is not the time for politicking,” Belgica stated. “We are not concerned with any personality. Our main concern is to make sure all the needy Filipinos get all the help they need the President promised. Our concern is to end this COVID-19 virus.”
“Mag tulungan po tayo,” he added. “Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tumutulong pati ang hindi lumalabas ng bahay. Tayo po ay nakakatulong sa ating pag sunod.”
(Let’s help one another. Thank you to everyone who help, and to those who are not going outside of their homes. By obeying this protocol, this is a way of help.)
https://www.facebook.com/grecobelgicafanpage/videos/1513875995443806/?__xts__[0]=68.ARCSldtIEgczWxkZif7D3h_ftNxIUq1ivQFKwfVpN-pRYmSF0QCKXnCsMB6gCXnK84ne3Nlw115mwHjfiB3S4urx9OrgdG3Jninc5ShN9y_swuNCTaHzkVKWObg8j7OWRl0dhlJ2hd_D-ktR3dFFdjoCmMSz5vD_OX0gpZCxhWLHwLGHKzEXBJX2BggavhceVp2fouT-tma3p5zWtgJTuI6sqJepYazio7Q3_B0HmrZNEjualXWjSF9X_Z3FXBwhBriqaI8rDamlypWluBc_ANw9HBlD23_iinysLP3vfHaRZi1WuCLomX5VKP7zHAGOtth3yn2_pQlBzKZmdNe7s6_zPwslfRSrbz8&__tn__=-R
In a Facebook live video, Belgica stated: “All help is welcome, including help from Vice President Leni Robredo.”
“Ang kalaban natin dito ay yung (Our enemy here is the) [COVID-19] virus, and what we are after and what we want is for this virus to stop, for this virus to die and we appreciate any help from anyone regardless of faith, political color, belief,” Belgica added. “Nagpapasalamat po tayo dahil kailangang-kailangan natin ‘yun (We are very thankful because we need it.)”
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