(Eagle News)–The Office of the Ombudsman is conducting a preliminary probe and an administrative adjudication against Public Attorneys Office chief Persida Acosta and forensics chief Erwin Erfe over corruption allegations against them.
In a statement issued after at least 80 PAO lawyers denied fiing a manifestation seeking Acosta’s and Erfe’s suspension before the anti-graft body, the Ombudsman said the probe stemmed from the complaint for graft, falsification, malversation and illegal use of public funds or property filed by Wilfredo Garrido against them.
The adjudication, on the other hand, was for the administrative charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, grave abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service against them.
According to the Ombudsman, as of Aug. 6, the parties were ordered to file their respective verified position papers containing their positions, supporting evidences and defenses.
On Aug. 8, the Ombudsman said it received the manifestation seeking the two officials’ suspension and signed with “DOJ PAO lawyers.”
“The corruption allegations against the high-ranking PAO officials will be judiciously scrutinized and the cases shall be resolved solely on the basis of the evidence presented by the parties,” Ombudsman Samuel Martires said.
