Press Release
April 9, 2015

Pimentel seeks inquiry into Ombudsman report of local officials topping the list with most number of graft and corruption cases

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today sought an inquiry into the Ombudman's report that for four consecutive years since 2011, local officials top the list with the most number of cases filed before the graft body.

Pimentel said that pursuant to the strong anti-corruption mandate of the Constitution, the Ombudsman was created to repress certain acts of public officers and private persons alike constituting graft or corrupt practices.

He cited Article 11, Section 27 of the Constitution that provides, "The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption," while Art. X1, Sec. 1 states, "Public office is a public trust."

Pimentel said that it has become imperative to conduct an inquiry into the report "to find out the varying forms of graft and corrupt practices," in view of his proposed "Bigger Pie, Bigger Slice" bill that would bring more resources to local government units (LGUs).

"Before this bill becomes law, positive steps must be taken to fight and eventually eradicate corruption at the local level," Pimentel said in his Senate Resolution No. 1260 filed last April 6.

He said the Senate Committee on Local Government and other appropriate committees should be directed to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation why local officials topped the list of those facing graft cases before the Ombudsman.

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