Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales at the Meet the Inquirer forum. TRISTAN TAMAYO
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Tuesday said she has asked for a motu proprio investigation into the alleged extortion attempt by two Bureau of Immigration (BI) commissioners on gambling tycoon Jack Lam.
Morales, in the Meet the Inquirer forum, said she thinks the Ombudsman is the proper body to launch an investigation instead of the Department of Justice (DOJ), which has the BI under its jurisdiction.
“I directed this morning to check in on the case and see if we can on motu proprio start our own investigation… It would be more proper to handle the case because the DOJ has jurisdiction over them,” Morales said.
READ: BI officials in Jack Lam extortion probed
BI associate commissioners Michael Robles and Al Argosino allegedly received bribes from Lam for the release of overstaying Chinese nationals who were arrested for illegally working at Lam’s online casino at Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Clark, Pampanga.
The Inquirer reported that the two commissioners met with former police colonel Wally Sombero and received five paper bags containing P10 million each, based on video footage of a casino mall in Parañaque City. JE/rga
READ: 2 immigration execs caught on video with 5 cash bundles
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