De Lima denies MRT general manager cleared by NBI

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Wednesday denied reports that the National Bureau of Investigation has already recommended that Metro Rail Transit (MRT) general manager Al Vitangcol III be cleared from allegations of $30-million extortion.

“No such report yet. It has not even reached [NBI] Director [Virgilio] Mendez more so the DOJ,” De Lima said in a text message to reporters.

The Justice Chief issued the statement following report that Vitangcol was cleared by the NBI.

At the same time, De Lima ordered Mendez to investigate the source of the report.

“I directed Director Mendez to investigate who the source of that information is,” De Lima said.

The NBI conducted the investigation on allegations of extortion upon orders of President Benigno Aquino III.

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