INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos faces criticism over the issue of allegedly accepting reward money from private individuals.
During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, KOJC legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon clarified why the P10 million reward imposed by Abalos on Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy is problematic.
The question is not whether the reward is legal, but rather its source and the appropriateness of a public official accepting it.
According to DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, there is no legal distinction regarding the source of reward money.
“How about the source of the reward? Is it legal for it to come from a private individual, or should it come from government funds?” according to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Chair, Committee on Public Order.
“There is no distinction in our laws regarding the source of reward money. Citizens also have a role in the justice sector,” Usec. Nicholas Felix Ty, Department of Justice.
Abalos’ indirect receipt of reward money violates Code of Ethics—Atty. Torreon
However, Atty. Torreon argues that Abalos’ indirect acceptance of the reward violates Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.
“He clarified today that he did not receive it yet. But if we read the law, the clear letter of the law states that public officials shall not solicit or accept directly or indirectly. So even indirect acceptance is covered by the prohibition under Section 7 D,” stated Atty. Israelito Torreon, Lead Counsel, KOJC.
Torreon also pointed out that Abalos’ consideration of a private reward offer amounts to giving a favor, which is prohibited under the Code of Ethics for public officials.
The situation is aggravated as Abalos heads an agency responsible for law enforcement.
“Therefore, he should have high moral and legal ethics to refuse such favors directly or indirectly because public office is public trust. Any air of suspicion must be prevented,” Atty. Torreon added.
Torreon noted that even the PNP did not offer a reward for Pastor Apollo as it did not meet the parameters set by the National Police Commission for rewards.
“The reason is that they have their own NAPOLCOM circulars outlining the requisites for offering a reward. That is NAPOLCOM Circular 2019 as amended by NAPOLCOM Circular 2021,” Torreon stressed.
Torreon emphasized that the process and regulations for imposing a reward are lengthy, making him raise the question on why Abalos acted so quickly in this case.
Abalos, however, seemed to misunderstand Torreon’s claim of indirect acceptance of the reward money.
He contended that he has not received any money and never solicited it.
“First, I did not solicit. I never solicited, and I have not received even a single centavo. Second, the Department clarified it clearly,” according to Sec. Benhur Abalos – DILG.
Abalos sought further clarification from the Department of Justice, prompting additional explanations from Atty. Torreon.
“The problem with his explanation only covers half of the law. What is written is that public officials should not solicit or accept directly or indirectly. The fact that he announced it, even if he did not physically accept it, still constitutes indirect acceptance. Therefore, it is covered by the law, and as a high official, he should have exercised modesty,” Torreon added.
