Ombudsman to undertake initial investigation

MANILA, Philippines - The plunder complaint filed by Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio against Sen. Lito Lapid and his son Mark is now being reviewed through a preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Assistant Ombudsman for Luzon Victor Fernandez said he has already forwarded the same to the Preliminary Investigation and Administrative Adjudication Review Board (PARB) which is headed by Overall Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro. 

According to him, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez issued an Office Order directing him to do so shortly after Panlilio filed the complaint two weeks ago.

The Lapids, as former governors of Pampanga are being tagged as responsible for missing lahar quarry funds amounting to P568 million.

Mark Lapid, who is now general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority, said the Panlilio complaint is a mere “rehash” of earlier charges filed against him and his father that were eventually junked.

Former provincial administrator Fidel Arcenas and former provincial treasurers Jovito Sabado and Vergel Yabut were also named as respondents in the latest case.