GMA includes military, police in PAGC jurisdiction

President Arroyo has included the military and the police among the government officials that can be investigated by the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC).

Mrs. Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 531-B, further expanding the investigative jurisdiction of the PAGC to improve the moral standards of government as a major thrust of the Arroyo administration.

But the Chief Executive, also serving as concurrent defense secretary, said the PAGC may investigate only some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on a case-to-case basis.

The cases were not identified and will be made the subject of PAGC investigation upon the discretion of the President.

The President said the government will continue its hunt against the corrupt without letup.

She said she would cleanse the ranks of the military and the police and ensure that the welfare of the soldiers and law enforcers will be prioritized.

Under EO 12, which was signed in 2001, the PAGC only has jurisdiction over all presidential appointees occupying the position of assistant regional director or higher, otherwise classified as Salary Grade 26 or higher under the Compensation and Classification Act of 1989.

Mrs. Arroyo signed EO 531 to strengthen the commission as it runs after corrupt government officials and private individuals who are involved in graft and corruption cases.

In her order, the President expanded the powers of the commission to include "other public officers and employees and private persons in conspiracy or connivance with covered presidential appointees."

Private individuals can be investigated if they connived with government officials in violating the following laws: the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the unlawful acquisitions of property by a public employee and the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees, among others.

The President, however, amended EO 531 again as EO 531-A gave the Office of the Executive Secretary the power to "review and overrule" the PAGC’s findings.

The PAGC said it resolved 92 cases last year, 61 of which had non-punitive recommendations and most of which were dismissed due to the absence of substantial evidence to warrant a strong position as regards committed wrongdoing of the public servants concerned.

Only 30 cases entailed punitive actions and 15 were affirmed by the Office of the President.

During the first 15 days of the month, the PAGC said it endorsed five cases to the Office of the President, two of which called for the dismissal of two high-ranking officials, one for suspension and two that carried non-punitive recommendations.