Senators urge executive action on corruption

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III —Senate PRIB

President Marcos should spearhead a “summit” to rid the government of crooks after Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen lamented that corruption still plagues the bureaucracy, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said on Friday.

He said the President, whose family members had been indicted for various corruption allegations, should be joined by the leaders of other state agencies in stemming graft and corruption once and for all.

“All the heads of the different branches/agencies of government should get together, have a ‘summit’ and come up with specific acts and timetable of these acts on how to fight corruption in our country,” Pimentel said.

According to Pimentel, the Senate should do its part by launching inquiries into questionable government contracts through the blue ribbon committee, now headed by Sen. Francis Tolentino.

“All reports of corruption and/or serious irregularities in government procurement and decision-making must be investigated by the Senate blue ribbon relentlessly and seriously,” Pimentel said.

Sen. Francis Escudero, a lawyer, said the high court should be asked regarding its efforts to cleanse the judiciary of wrongdoings.

“Aside from asking lawyers to report corruption in the judiciary, what is the Supreme Court doing about it?” Escudero asked.

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