Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/EDWIN BACASMAS
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Francis Escudero on Monday urged Czech ambassador to the Philippines Josef Rychtar “to file the necessary complaints” against those allegedly involved in the $30-million extortion attempt by some officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications and Metro Rail Transit officials.
“Well para sa akin kung talagang may basehan, I am encouraging the ambassador to come out formally and file the necessary complaints against those concerned,” he told reporters on Monday after a hearing.
Last year, Rychtar exposed the alleged extortion try, which prompted President Benigno Aquino III to order an investigation.
“I think the government has proven itself in so far as looking into this complaint if it’s indeed one is filed against any of the officials in government,” Escudero, who is also the chair of the finance committee, added.
On Monday, the Senate conducted its investigation on the controversy but only in relation to the delays in MRT projects.
Escudero said it is up to the Senate blue ribbon committee to investigate on the graft angle.
He said they would still have to look into inviting the Czech ambassador once an investigation would be held.
“Yes, but we would have to look into it, kailangan tingnan namin kung puwede naming gawin iyon. Matagal-tagal na rin ako sa Senado wala pa yatang pagkakataon na naimbitahan ang ambassador ng ibang bansa. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang protocol na dapat gawin o sundin sa bagay na iyan kung puwede silang imbitahan para sa hearing ng Senado although kung voluntary silang pupunta bakit hindi,” Escudero said.
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