PRC exec faces extortion rap

MANILA, Philippines - A commissioner of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was criminally charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday for allegedly extorting money from a lawyer.

Commissioner Alfredo Po was charged with direct bribery and violations of Republic Act 3091, the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act; and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees in an inquest proceeding.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents arrested Po in his office at the PRC after lawyer Ernesto de los Santos complained that Po had demanded a “commission” of P42,800 a month for the lease of De los Santos’ building in Baguio City to the PRC.

Speaking to reporters, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Po is “a notorious guy,” as other persons have surfaced to complain about him.

“It’s just right he was entrapped,” she said. “It’s just right he is facing charges because there’s no room for him in this government.”

Investigators are now looking into his alleged involvement in leakages in the licensure examinations when he was chairman of the Board for Mechanical Engineers, she added.

De Lima said President Aquino was very disappointed upon learning of the arrest of his appointee.

“This is unacceptable to the President,” she said. “He was wondering how this official made it to the commission and who recommended him. It’s really very frustrating for an appointing authority to know there are undeserving officials in his team.”

De Lima said government officials are not allowed to collect commissions.

“We’re in the government, he’s a public official. What is that broker’s commission? It’s just really disappointing, really.”

In his affidavit, De los Santos said Po had already received a total of P126,000 from him. – With Sandy Araneta