DOJ expresses ‘interest’ in Binay case, mulls probe
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MANILA, Philippines – The allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay have caught the “interest” of the Department of Justice (DOJ), which is now considering investigating the issues being hurled against him, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Thursday.
De Lima said the DOJ, through the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), its investigating arm, could conduct its own inquiry.
“Pero sa ngayon wala pang basehan for preliminary investigation. Kailangan muna may resulta muna ang imbestigasyon from our investigative arm which is the NBI,” she told reporters after attending a budget hearing at the Senate.
(But as of now, there is no basis for a preliminary investigation. What we need are results from the investigation by our investigative arm, which is the NBI.)
She said the DOJ was also waiting for an official request from the blue ribbon sub-committee for assistance in the investigation.
Article continues after this advertisementThe investigation of the sub-committee into the alleged overpriced parking building in Makati City involving the Vice President has expanded to other issues, such as his alleged unexplained wealth.
Article continues after this advertisementBut with or without the official request by the committee, De Lima said she could discuss with the NBI for a separate investigation into all the issues coming out from the Senate hearing.
“Pinag uusapan na namin yan but we have to make really a decision on that kasi unang-una may mga kaso na sana sa Ombdusman. Pangalawa, tinitingnan din namin yung mga nagiging development sa Senate subcommittee,” she said.
(We are actually discussing it but we have to make really a decision on that because firstly, there is a case before the Ombudsman. Secondly, we are also looking at the developments in the enate sub-committee.)
De Lima was referring to the plunder and graft charges filed against Binay and other individuals in connection with the alleged anomalous construction of Makati City Hall 2 parking building.
“Pero the more na may lumalabas na mga information, mga evidence, mga detalye na yan, mga testimonya nila, the more na nagiging interesado din kami na pwedeng makialam,” said the DOJ chief.
(But the more information coming out, more evidence, details, testimonies, the more that we become interested in trying to get a piece of the action.)
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