MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has ordered a probe on five agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) tagged as protectors of controversial businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who is now being investigated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for possible tax evasion.
In a press conference, Aguirre revealed that his office had received information that the five agents have long been moles of Ang in the bureau.
“That’s true – he has NBI agents protecting him from long before and even up to now... I already know those agents,” Aguirre bared, citing information from “NBI insiders.”
“I’m having them investigated and we will make the proper moves,” he vowed.
Last week, Ang accused Aguirre and Esperon of plotting to kill him through the NBI to eliminate the gambling operations of his Meridien Vista Gaming Corp. to be able to expand government’s small-town lottery (STL).
The gaming tycoon also accused Aguirre’s brother Ogie of involvement in STL and pressuring local officials in Bicol to drop their contracts with Meridien and instead forge new deals with him.
Aguirre has denied the allegations and vowed to press charges against Ang.
“That’s not true. He (Ogie) is not applying for STL (franchise). Atong Ang should present evidence, if he has any,” Aguirre said.
“His only evidence was a phone call while he was cockfighting in Cagayan de Oro (that) told him he should leave because someone is out to kill him. How can that be evidence? That’s hearsay,” he stressed.
Aguirre pointed out that Ang should have filed charges against him if he really had valid evidence.
The Department of Justice chief said he plans to file libel and other charges against the controversial gambling lord.
“I will surely file all cases against him that are supported by evidence,” Aguirre hinted.
Still, Aguirre has directed the NBI to “conduct the investigation and case build-up” over the accusations of Ang.
“All his gambling operations are illegal. He should prove if he’s paying the right taxes. His invincibility is gone,” he stressed.