COA, Ombudsman team up vs grafters

More investigators will be combing through controversial transactions involving the people’s money—such as the fertilizer fund scam, Malampaya funds question, Government Service Insurance System deals, Philippine National Police purchases and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System officials’ allowances.

A newly formed joint investigating team of the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Office of the Ombudsman will give top priority to these issues in inquiries expected to strengthen the buildup of cases and ensure their successful prosecution.

The COA and the Ombudsman signed a memorandum of agreement on Wednesday listing the cases that would be given priority in investigation and prosecution.

Also on the list are the swine program of the Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corp., the fund transfers to the National Agri-Business Corp., the rubber boats purchase by the Philippine Navy, investments made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Retirement and Separation Benefits System, and the payment for election paraphernalia made by the Commission on Elections.

Several of the cases involve ranking officials. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is  implicated in one, the alleged misuse of fertilizer funds during the 2004 presidential campaign.

Arroyo’s husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, is among those being investigated in connection with the PNP’s questionable purchase of helicopters.

COA Chairperson Grace Tan said her agency’s partnership with the Office of the Ombudsman was a strategic one and would use the strengths of both institutions to fight corruption.