NBI probes ERC exec’s death, alleged corruption

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has started its investigation on the death of Energy Regulatory Commission Director Francisco Villa Jr. as well as the alleged corruption in the agency.

NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin on Wednesday said agents had spoken to some of Villa’s coworkers as part of the investigation.

“Nag-umpisa na ang aming imbestigasyon at pinangungunahan ito ng anti-graft division at tuloy-tuloy ito until we get to the bottom of this,” Lavin said.

He, however, declined to give further details on the probe, saying they would have a case conference on the matter.

Villa took his own life on Nov. 9, citing pressure at work and mentioning ERC officials, including Chair Jose Vicente Salazar, on his suicide notes.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered an immediate investigation on Villa’s death.

It can be recalled that in a series of suicide notes, Villa said Salazar wanted him to rig the biddings in favor of preferred companies for contracts for procurements and hiring of consultants.

Villa also named in his suicide notes assistant vice president Luis Morelos, whom he also accused of taking part in the rigged selection system.

His sister, broadcast journalist Charie Villa, said he was pressured to approve contracts even without undergoing public bidding.