NBI preparing raps against gov’t exec in Malampaya fund mess

DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Wednesday said plunder charges are being prepared by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against former ranking government officials in connection with the P900-million Malampaya fund scandal.

“The NBI is doing a last minute preparations. P900 million constitutes plunder,” De Lima told reporters in an ambush interview.

However, she said not all that will be included in the complaint would be slapped with plunder.

“It will depend upon the amount involved but definitely, there will be some who will be facing a complaint for plunder,” she said.

However, unlike the complaint involving the pork scam, De Lima said no lawmaker will be charged for the misuse of the Malampaya Fund “because what is involved here are ghost projects, ghost deliveries but definitely certain [former officials from] agencies of government will be included.