NBI probes MRT chief over alleged $30-M extortion try

By: Nestor Corrales - 10 years ago

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating the extortion allegations against Metro Rail Transit (MRT) General Manager Al Vitangcol III and other transportation officials, Malacañang said Friday.

“There is an ongoing investigation with the NBI. So, even the DOTC is waiting for the results of the investigation against Mr. Vitangcol. So let’s just wait for the investigation coming from NBI,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing.

He was referring to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Josef Rychtar recently accused Vitangcol, and his emissary, businessman Wilson Devera, and other transportation officials behind the alleged $30-million extortion attempt from a Czech firm in exchange for a contract to supply trains in the Philippines.

Lacierda said Vitangcol is already on leave after DOTC started an administrative investigation.

“He already went on leave and there is an administrative investigation,” he said in Filipino.

Lacierda said Vitangcol and Devera, a member of the Liberal party, are not spared from the investigation.

“I am certainly telling you that there’s an investigation that is out there and the President has always said regardless of what kind of investigation: where the evidence leads, we will go there.

Asked if Vitangcol should just resign, he said: “Well, again, this is part of due process. There is a due process. Let us just wait for the investigation,” he said.

Rychtar also accused Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya of sitting on the said case since the issue has been exposed last year.

Rychtar said Abaya scolded him over the phone after Aquino’s sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and her husband Eldon Cruz were dragged into the alleged extortion attempt.

Lacierda, however, denied this allegation saying Abaya did not call up or shout at Rychtar over issue.

He assured the public of a fair investigation saying, “We’re moving towards good governance and certainly it will take time for us to effect change. But what is important is that good governance should start from the top.”