Palace: Investigation on overpriced bunkhouses part of Lacson’s job

Rehabilitation chief Panfilo Lacson (inset) has begun investigating reports of a possible “collusion” between contractors and “at least one politician” to pocket kickbacks of 30 to 35 percent in the construction of bunkhouses (shown in photo) for victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in Leyte and Samar. PHOTO OF LACSON FROM INQUIRER FILE/PHOTO OF BUNKHOUSES BY NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday clarified that the investigation on the alleged overpriced bunkhouses for Supertyphoon “Yolanda” survivors is part of rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson’s job.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, in a press briefing, said Lacson’s role as “rehabilitation coordinator” is to ensure that “everything we do is above-board.”

“I think when there were allegations made, it was duty bound for him [to investigate],” he said.

Lacson has been looking into allegations that temporary shelters being built for people rendered homeless by Yolanda were overpriced because of the collusion between contractors and at least one politician in a bid to get 30 to 35 percent in kickbacks from the project.

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