The Department of Justice has demanded that concrete evidence be shown before it investigates allegations of bribery linked to a People’s Initiative, or PI, which is a mode for Charter change.

The DoJ said it will launch an inquiry into the alleged bribery once testimonies and evidence are presented by Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel and other groups.

This was emphasized by DoJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano who said there is a need for concrete evidence before a formal investigation could be initiated.

Pimentel had urged the National Bureau of Investigation to look into allegations of P100 payments in exchange for signatures in support of Charter change through a people’s initiative.

Inquiry ready

Clavano said the DoJ is prepared to initiate a probe if Pimentel and other groups give testimony and evidence on bribe allegations linked to Charter change.

“If ever the good Sen. Koko Pimentel is willing to send a letter together with some recommendations, then maybe we can act on that,” Clavano said yesterday.

“But, as of right now because we don’t see any evidence, and we’ve always been evidence based, it might be premature to make a move,” Clavano said.

The opposition senator earlier said the NBI should investigate the alleged payment of P100 in exchange for each PI signature.

“So we are just waiting for any formal letter or correspondence from the good senator as well as other local governments that may want to share a little bit of their experience, give their statements, and possibly some evidence that we can utilize as a basis for this to move,” Clavano said.