Aquino, Abad under probe for DAP

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday announced that it has started an investigation on President Benigno Aquino III and Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad in relation to the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said that investigations have already started following several complaints against the DAP.

Morales said that the Office of the Ombudsman is trying to speed up the resolution of the cases, according to a report.

However, the Ombudsman said that her agency would not release the investigation report.

"If we approve and recommend for conduct of preliminary investigation so be it. If we don't agree to initiate preliminary investigation that means case is deemed closed and terminated that's why we need ample time to review jurisprudence and law involved," Morales said before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations.

Meanwhile, Malacañang reminded Morales that Aquino is immune from lawsuit. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., however, clarified that the Office of the Ombudsman may still conduct the investigation on the DAP as mandated by law.