DOJ Capitol probe reset, Tupas, et al seek more days to explain
The first day of scheduled preliminary probe by the special panel of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Capitol officials was reset. As such, at least five more days were sought and granted for Governor Niel Tupas and associates to submit their position and official stance on the charges hurled by the People's Graftwatch here.
Day one would have been Wednesday yet Capitol lawyers appeared for the respondent Provincial Government officials and manifested the request for extension.
The DOJ probe came following the order of Secretary Raul Gonzalez in Department Order 702. Capitol figures called in to appear with Tupas include Second District Board Member Cecilia Capadosa, Provincial Treasurer Melba Sullivan, Budget Officer Elena Lim, Provincial Accountant Lyd Tupas and Office of the Governor employee Benjamin Dosado.
The charges as lodged by the People's Graftwatch are administrative and criminal in nature involving dishonesty, grave misconduct in office and commission of an offense involving moral turpitude.
DOJ panel is composed of Provincial Prosecutor Bernabe Dusaban. Other probe team officials are Senior State Prosecutor Leo Dacera, Assistant Regional State Prosecutor Virgilio Garcia, State Prosecutor Edwin Layog and 1st Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Jaime Umpa.
Complainants were retired Judges Nicolas Monteblanco, Virgilio Sindico, laywer Hyptie Correa and retired government employee Pio Lujan.