Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao should file charges if he has evidence against those in government who, he claimed, are involved in corrupt activities, Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said on Monday, July 5.
Guevarra pointed this out amidst allegations by the lawmaker that corruption in government has worsened under the administration of President Duterte.
“I’m sure Senator Pacquiao knows his options: if he has sufficient evidence on hand, he may cause the filing of anti-graft charges directly with the OMB (Office of the Ombudsman) or the DOJ (Department of Justice),” he said.
Also, he said that Pacquiao can ask that an investigation be conducted by the DOJ-led Task Force Against Corruption (TFAC) or, if it involves presidential appointees, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).
“To the extent possible, the TFAC disregards the possible motives of complainants,” he assured.
“We make a thorough evaluation, based on the allegations in the complaint, whether there is enough factual basis to proceed further, or require the complainant to provide more information on which to build a case,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Senate is set to conduct a probe on government agencies which Pacquiao accused of corruption.
The probe could take place after Pacquiao’s August 21 fight against welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao left last Sunday, July 4, to train in the United States in preparation for the bout.