NBI recommends raps vs solon, 4 others over fake SAROs

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday recommended to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the filing of criminal complaints against a congressman and four others over the alleged falsification of release orders from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The congressman recommended to be charged with falsification of public documents was Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr.

The four other individuals were Emmanuel Raza, member of Zamboanga Rep. Lilia Macrohon-Nuno's staff; Elvie Rafael, driver of Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos; Mary Ann Castillo, consultant for Haresco and DBM employee Bhernie Beltran.

Castillo, meanwhile, was also recommended to be charged with obstruction of justice for withholding evidence from the fact-finding committee.

The five accused allegedly scam funneled P161 million for a project in Cagayan and P77 million for another project in Aklan using fake special allotment release orders.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had said that evidence pointed to Castillo as the source of the two fake SAROs for Cagayan and Aklan projects.

Relampagos, who was earlier tagged in the investigation, was cleared from the case.se. - with report from Edu Punay

Related: NBI recommends prosecution of gov't execs over SARO falsification