MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) official linked to the biggest corruption scandal in recent Philippine history does not have to leave his post for now.

This was the sentiment of Malacañang on Wednesday, June 18, when asked if Undersecretary Mario Relampagos should take a leave of absence after being tagged as a player in a multi-million scam alleging government officials and lawmakers of misusing development funds.

Press Secretary Sonny Coloma said: “The law has guidelines (on taking a leave of absence) and we will follow that. But the justice system has a process as well that is not under the jurisdiction of the executive, that’s why its best to wait for the decision of the courts.”

He added the focus should not be on the “so-called high profile personalities.” Instead, he said the law should “apply equally to everyone.”

Coloma asked for patience and calm, urging Filipinos to wait for the ruling of the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan. He also gave assurances the administration would follow whatever it decides on regarding Relampagos.

“All I can assure you is that whatever the law decides and whiter the order of the courts may be, the government will follow,” he said.

Relampagos faces 42 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan, the most for any government official in the list of those charged for graft over the illegal diversion of lawmakers’ development funds. (READ: Web of lies: Faces behind the prok barrel scam)

He is is accused of “causing undue injury to the government” for over P1 billion ($22.89 million*) in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) releases.

The amount was supposed to fund community development projects but were siphoned off for kickbacks of those involved in the scam.

Along with Relampagos, Senators Ramon Revilla Jr, Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, alleged scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles, and other personalities were charged with graft for conspiring to channel the millions in public funds to Napoles-controled organizations. (READ: JPE, Estrada, Revilla charged with graft)

If found guilty, he could be imprisoned for 6 to 15 years and permanently disqualified from public office. The court would also order a seizure of his assets. – Rappler.com