Bello seeks ouster of PACC exec over probe ‘abuse’

MANILA, Philippines — After announcing an ongoing investigation against three Cabinet officials, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Manuelito Luna faces possible removal from his post.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III yesterday reported his plans to seek the dismissal of Luna from public service for alleged grave abuse of authority.

“If you are investigating, one should be discreet in fairness to the respondent. He is preempting the investigation, so I am going to ask the President to dismiss him from the office,” Bello said in a radio interview.

Bello said the PACC should have informed him of the complaint and who are the complainants so he could respond appropriately.

According to Bello, he learned only of the alleged complaint filed before the PACC through media reports.

Bello said he was surprised that the President even appointed Luna to the PACC when he previously filed a disqualification case against Duterte.

“Out of delicadeza, he (Luna) should have not accepted the position in the government,” he said.

Last year, Bello was accused of accepting P100,000 cash and a cellphone as Christmas gift from a local recruiter, who threatened to file graft and corruption complaint before the PACC.

Those who have evidence against him, Bello said, should file a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice and not the PACC.

Bello also called on Luna to inhibit himself from the complaint against him since he was the one who allegedly drafted the complaint.