HUDCC may face malversation raps over Marawi fund diversion

Marawi City after the five months long siege. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines —  The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) may face technical malversation charges if proven that it had diverted P5 million Marawi fund to cover expenses of victims of the Marawi City siege who went on a Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia in 2018.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Tuesday he would ask HUDCC “to explain” regarding the allegation, as the Commission on Audit (COA) has sought for the refund of the money.

If proven that HUDCC diverted the funds, will they be facing any charges?

“That would be, that would be technical malversation if it’s true,” noted Panelo, who is also chief legal counsel of President Rodrigo Duterte, when asked if HUDCC could face charges over the reported Marawi fund diversion. “(But) we don’t know yet.”

“First, I want to see the COA findings, and then maybe I will write HUDCC regarding it,” he added. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)