Ping seeks creation of anti-graft body to help Ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines - Former senator Panfilo Lacson has proposed the creation of an anti-graft body “with operational capability” to pursue the reforms undertaken by the Aquino administration.

In a radio interview yesterday, Lacson said he submitted to the Office of the President a draft executive order seeking the establishment of an anti-graft body that would help the Office of the Ombudsman rid the government of corruption.

“There is no dedicated government agency that complements the ombudsman’s office,” he said over radio dzBB.

Lacson said his proposal is up for the President’s review and approval.

He admitted he has not received any feedback yet from the Chief Executive.

Lacson noted that while the ombudsman’s office has prosecution powers, it cannot apply for search warrants, conduct entrapment operations, and arrest corrupt government personnel.

 â€œSo, there is a vacuum, there is a gap when it comes to enforcement aspect,” he added.

According to Lacson, the proposed anti-graft body’s major thrust is to gather evidence against government employees believed to be involved in corruption.

Without operational capabilities, the former police chief admitted that his proposed anti-graft body would be rendered inutile. 

“If the draft EO is watered down, then you cannot accomplish anything if it will just be coordinative in nature. There will be no focus. Without operational capabilities, it will be difficult to launch an effective anti-graft campaign,” he added.

Lacson explained that with a specialized team empowered to conduct operations and arrest suspected crooks in government, then the new body would attain its main objective of reducing corruption in the bureaucracy.

“For example, if a mayor or a judge is entrapped, they can easily be suspended. There won’t be too many technicalities which slow down the process,” he said.

Lacson noted that while the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police have powers to conduct operations and arrest, the two agencies are focused on law enforcement and crime prevention.

Bills strengthening anti-graft court filed

Lacson’s proposed anti-graft body came amid moves by administration allies, Senators Franklin Drilon and Teofisto Guingona III, to fast-track the resolution of cases pending with the anti-graft court.

Drilon filed Senate Bill 470 to address woes over the snail-paced disposition of cases in the Sandiganbayan while Guingona wants to increase the number of associate justices from 14 to 44.

Drilon’s bill seeks to amend Section 3 of the Sandiganbayan Law, which requires the presence of at least three justices before a case could be heard.

The Sandiganbayan is composed of five divisions, with three justices each.

“The existing provision became inapplicable to the present times since the government has expanded and cases filed before them have multiplied over the years, and that provision only contributes to the increasing number of unresolved cases,” Drilon said.

For his part, Guingona noted the importance of “extracting accountability” and the need to “implement fair, equitable justice in a speedy manner.”

Guingona’s bill seeks to create 15 Sandiganbayan divisions, with three justices each. Seven divisions will be stationed in Metro Manila, four in Visayas, and four in Mindanao.