DOJ seeks formal letter, evidence on ‘bribed initiative’

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said it would wait for a formal letter or evidence before investigating the alleged buying of signatures to make it seem that there is a call to revise the 1987 Constitution. 

In an interview on Balita Pilipinas Ngayon, Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said it may be premature to investigate as the DOJ has yet to receive any evidence on the matter.

“We are just awaiting any formal letter or correspondence with the good Senator as well as other local governments who may want to share a little bit of their experience, either statement or possibly some evidence, para po ma— pwede nating gamitin ‘yun as basis na gumalaw po,” Clavano said.

Last week, opposition lawmakers Edcel Lagman and Raoul Manuel accused government officials of buying signatures and tricking people into signing documents that allegedly portray there is a public clamor to make changes in the Constitution.

Following this, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said there is a need to investigate the allegations. 

He named the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is under the DOJ, as one of the agencies that must investigate the supposed purchase of signatures.—Joahna Lei Casilao/RF, GMA Integrated News