Malacañang: No Plan to Create Anti-Graft Body

Amid calls for a lifestyle check on several ranking officials, the government sees no need to create a new Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, a Palace official said on Wednesday.

“I think our Office of the Ombudsman has shown to be independent. So, their mandate is to conduct all these measures necessary to ensure good governance and ethical practice among public officials,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

“They are performing their duties very well, so, we will leave it at that; and plus the fact that it is better for an independent body to conduct this lifestyle check, so as not to accuse anyone of favoritism or protection,” said Lacierda.

President Benigno S. Aquino III abolished the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) through Executive Order No. 13 signed in November 2010.

There have been calls for Vice President Jejomar Binay and Philippine National Police Chief General Alan Purisima to undergo a lifestyle check following probes into their alleged questionable wealth. PND (ag)

Source: PCOO

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