Bartolome orders probe into OYSTER program

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome has ordered an investigation into the supposed irregularities in the implementation of the P1.28-billion budget for the previous administration’s Out of School Youth Serving Towards Economic Recovery (OYSTER) program.

Bartolome has organized a fact-finding committee headed by Chief Superintendent Ricardo Marquez, executive director of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM). Marquez was ordered to wrap up the investigation by Oct. 15.

During the budget hearing of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the Senate yesterday, Sen. Panfilo Lacson revealed that the COA is questioning the propriety of transferring the proceeds of the road user’s tax to the PNP.

Bartolome clarified that he was not in the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) when the program was implemented.

The OYSTER program was launched by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in November 2004 to create jobs for out-of-school youths.

It involved the cleanup of 1,000 kilometers of roadsides in the National Capital Region, painting of concrete bridges and plant boxes along national roads, planting of trees and other beautification projects.                                                      

Earlier, the PNP promised to cooperate with any investigation connected to the fund by presenting records and personnel.