PAGC creates special team to probe Palace appointees in 7 agencies

Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) chairwoman Constancia de Guzman has created a Special Operations Team to investigate alleged anomalies involving presidential appointees in seven government agencies perceived to be the most corrupt.

De Guzman said she recognized the need for an early resolution of graft cases in accordance with President Arroyo’s "zero tolerance’’ campaign against irregularities.

The team, headed by PAGC Commissioner Jaime Jacob, will focus on seven government agencies with the most number of personnel charged with graft. Based on records, these agencies are the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

"We’re hopeful that our special team will be the key for faster resolution of cases. We are serious in purging graft and corruption to make sure that the government will effectively deliver the basic services to our countrymen,’’ De Guzman said.

"I wish to reiterate that we will not compromise with anybody who will be found guilty. We owe honest and accurate findings to the people who are helping us and giving us the chance to eradicate graft which is considered as the moral challenge of our time,’’ she said.

A total of 22 cases were referred to the special team, which aims to complete the investigation "within 90 days,’’ she said. This, however, will not delay or impede the investigation of other cases filed at the PAGC, she said.

Of the 22 cases, DepEd has four; DPWH has six; BIR, five; BOC, two; LTO, three; BI and PNP, one each.

This year, PAGC resolved 82 cases that resulted in eight dismissals and three suspensions.

"Genuine efforts are being exerted to eventually eliminate graft. I wish to encourage my co-workers in government to cut their involvement with any form of corruption. I’d like to remind them that the shame and scandal that will be suffered by their families will be immeasurable,’’ De Guzman said.

DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus said he welcomed the investigation of his personnel allegedly involved in graft cases.

"It speaks well for the agency (DepEd) that we welcome the investigation," Lapus told The Star in a telephone interview.

But Lapus said the number of misfits at DepEd is considerably small in proportion to the total number of its employees, which is half a million.

"We don’t hesitate to file charges (against erring personnel) if it is warranted," Lapus said.

Lapus said DepEd was recently cited by PAGC as the 7th best among 70 government agencies in terms of compliance with the integrity development action plan.

He said this indicates that DepEd is serious about getting rid of graft and corruption.