De Lima meets Binay's accusers, orders NBI probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into allegations of corruption against Vice President Jejomar Binay during his term as mayor of Makati City.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima made the announcement after she met with Binay's accusers, namely former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, lawyer Renato Bondal and Nicolas Enciso VI on Thursday morning.

She said in a state news report that the probe is characterized as as a "fact-finding" and "silent investigation" on which the media cannot expect regular updates, unlike on the earlier probe on the pork barrel scam.

De Lima said that a new team of NBI agents is tasked to investigate on the accusations hurled against Binay and his family.

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The new group is separate from the tracking team earlier formed to locate Gerry Limlingan, a former finance officer of Binay and his alleged "bagman" of kickbacks from Makati projects, as well as a host of other personalities who may have information on the issues.

De Lima said that NBI's investigation is parallel to those of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the Ombudsman's Field Investigating Office following a plunder case against Binay over the alleged overpricing of the construction of the Makati City Hall II parking building.

The Justice secretary, however, admitted that the NBI will only select issues to investigate given numerous allegations.

The three accusers were earlier admitted to the witness protection program as possible whistle blowers under Binay's administration.

De Lima has been accused of adhering to "selective justice" by Binay's allies in the opposition party United National Alliance in apparently choosing only to act on issues where non-allies of President Aquino seem to be involved. - Camille Diola