Probers to discuss scandal involving Capitol exec today

CEBU, Philippines - The Committee on Discipline and Investigation will discuss in its meeting today the alleged illicit affair involving a Capitol department head.

Lawyer Orvi Ortega, however, made it clear that this is not yet the start of the formal investigation into the issue because the committee needs a formal complaint.

Ortega, who heads the CODI, said a nominal complainant, an entity or person that interest in the subject of litigation, is needed for the committee to proceed with the investigation.

 "Pero bisan kung wa pay nominal complaint, i-take up gihapon na based sa katong directive ni Governor. Since wa pay nominal complainant, i-discuss namo unsay buhaton," Ortega told reporters.

Ortega, however, said the provincial administrator will act as nominal complainant in this case.

Governor Hilario Davide III earlier directed the investigating committee to look into the scandal involving the Capitol official.

Several photos went viral on the Internet showing the Capitol official with another woman, not his wife, sitting on his lap. Another photo also showed the official wrapping of his arms around the woman who was on her swimwear.

"We will find out if the woman is also an employee of the Capitol. Let us give him due process," Davide earlier told reporters.

The Freeman withheld the names of the persons involved pending the investigation.

Ortega said the committee will immediately ask the official concerned as soon as it receives the formal complaint.

"As part of the due process ba. (He) should be informed of the nature and character of the accusation for him to tender also an appropriate answer to the complaint. After that, mao nay pagsugod sa imbestigasyon," he added.—(FREEMAN)