THE Office of the Ombudsman is looking into the possible administrative culpability of Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa for accepting an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas to watch Senator Manny Pacquiao’s bout with World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie Vargas, an official said Friday.
“Yes, the Ombudsman is conducting a fact-finding investigation regarding the alleged travel perks received by the PNP chief when he went to Las Vegas,” said Mary Rawnsle Lopez, head of the Ombudsman’s media relations bureau.
But Pacquiao said there was nothing wrong with shouldering the trip of some government officials like Dela Rosa to watch his fight in Las Vegas. “That’s just how Bisayas are,” said Pacquaio in reference to the Filipinos living in the Visayas and Mindanao who speak the Cebuano language.
“You know us Bisaya, it’s better for us to treat someone than to do bad things,” Pacquiao said.
“We don’t want any illegal activities so it’s better to treat others.”
Pacquiao, who defeated American boxer Jessie Vargas, hails from General Santos City while Dela Rosa is from Davao, both in Mindanao.
But the Ombudsman said Military and other law enforcement offices will spearhead the probe on Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa will be investigated for possible violation of Presidential Decree 46 that sanctions public officials and employees receiving gifts on any occasion, as well as Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The Ombudsman is set to summon Dela Rosa and Pacquiao to submit their statements and the official receipts of their Las Vegas trip.
Dela Rosa earlier said Pacquiao invited him to watch his match against Vargas.
He said there was nothing irregular when Pacquiao paid for his trip.