Budget Secretary Florencio Abad. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday said it welcomes the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) report on those accused of creating fake Special Allotment Release Orders (Saros).
“We welcome the submission – finally – of the report, particularly the findings with respect to the perpetrators of the scam,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad told media in a text message.
The NBI on Tuesday recommended to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the filing of criminal cases against Aklan Representative Teodorico Haresco Jr.; Emmanuel Raza, congressional staff of Congresswoman Lilia Macrohon-Nuno of Zamboanga City; Elvie Rafael, driver of Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos; Bhernie C. Beltran from the Department of Budget and Management; and Mary Ann V. Castillo, a consultant from Haresco’s office.
However, Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos, who was also among those tagged in the scam, was not included in the report.
Abad said their agency will study the report and “determine the culpability/extent of involvement of DBM personnel in the so-called Saro scam.”
“We will take appropriate action thereafter,” he said.
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