Palace backs expansion of ‘pork’ scam probe

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is open to the proposal of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to expand the inquiry into the pork barrel scam to include the culpability of the heads of implementing agencies where public money was channeled.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the probe could even cover former Technology Resource Center chief Dennis Cunanan, whom Santiago earlier described as a possible state witness for his testimony on the Priority Development Assistance Fund scandal despite questions on his credibility.

“I’m trying to get a better handle on the statement of Sen. Santiago, but I think the Department of Justice is looking at all those involved,” Valte told state-run radio dzRB yesterday.

“If I am correct...Mr. Cunanan is the head of the TRC...he is part of the investigation,” Valte added.

Earlier, Santiago said the heads of the TRC, National Agribusiness Corp. and Muslim Youth Foundation are equally guilty as the lawmakers tagged in the pork barrel scam.

“(Those) from Nabcor, they are included in the investigation as far as I know. So as long as there are testimonies to that effect, there are accompanying documents, the DOJ is looking into the heads of agencies that served as conduit of funds,” Valte said.

“We have no problem with that. Sen. Miriam is free to call for the expansion of the scope of investigation, especially if it is in aid of legislation. I think that’s a resolution intended for the Blue Ribbon Committee that is handling the Senate investigation on this,” she added.

Santiago wants the Senate investigation to include the implementing agencies of projects funded by pork barrel funds listed in the 2013 and other previous budgets.

“The implementing agencies should never have allowed the corrupt politicians to exert pressure in favor of certain NGOs (non-government organizations) that are supposed to have their own funds from non-government sources,” she said.

Santiago said NGOs should source their funds from international donors, international financing institutions and corporate donors, among others.