President Rodrigo Duterte has asked two assistant secretaries to resign over their alleged involvement in corruption.
“The President has advised Justice Assistant Secretary Moslemen Macarambon Sr. and Public Works Assistant Secretary Tingagun Ampaso Umpa to tender their resignations or face termination for corruption,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Duterte had lost his trust in Macarambon.
“It’s a matter of trust and confidence. It’s the President who has the authority to terminate such appointment,’’ Guevarra said.
Malacañang said an investigation conducted by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission indicated that Macarambon had “been regularly intervening in behalf of suspected smugglers of gold and other precious jewelry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.”
When asked if the Justice department would conduct an investigation of Macarambon’s alleged involvement in such activities, Guevarra said he “would gather more facts” before initiating a probe.
Last month, Guevarra asked all Justice undersecretaries and assistant secretaries to resign to give him a free hand in performing his mandate.
But Guevarra said until Malacañang acted on the courtesy resignations, all the officials concerned would continue to report for work and perform their usual duties.
