Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales (CDN PHOTO/IZOBELLE PULGO).
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has exempted Sen. Manny Pacquiao from the investigation being initiated by her office pertaining to the lawmaker’s giving of an all-expense paid Las Vegas trip to PNP Chief Director General Bato dela Rosa.
Earlier Dela Rosa acknowledged that Pacquiao spent for his ticket, accommodation and allowances including that of his family during their trip to watch the Pacquiao-Vargas fight.
“No, he (Pacquiao) is not included in the investigation. Alam mo, kung mag-regalo ka, it doesn’t follow na there’s a motive behind the giving of gifts. At this point, we don’t consider him within our investigation.”
Republic Act 6713 states that “public officials and employees shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.”
As to the killing of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa, the Ombudsman said: “We, in fact, constituted a panel of investigators. They are now conducting investigation and let’s see what we can arrive at.”