Abad seeks speedy probe into fake SARO scam

Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Tuesday was hopeful that the National Bureau of Investigation would finish its investigation on the fake Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) for the multi-million farm-to-market roads by November, a report from INQUIRER Radio 990AM said.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has given her commitment to prioritize the case.

Abad said that they want to finish the case as soon as possible, but they will let the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to run its own phase of investigation.

Abad added they want to have the case finish because it alleges the DBM has something to do with the anomaly.

Abad earlier explained that dubious individuals who have access to the Department of Budget and Management duplicate numerous copies of SARO. Once they obtained the forms they would forge the signature of Budget and Management Assistant Secretary Luz Cantor to milk local officials of funds to be used primarily for farm-to-market roads.  With reports from Alvin Barcelona, INQUIRER Radio 990AM

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