Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has begun its probe on corruption claims against officials of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
Investigators invited the commissioners to appear for an interview, focusing on circumstances that could have led to the death of Bids and Awards Committee Chairman Francisco “Jun” Villa, Jr.
Commissioners Alfredo Non, Gloria Victoria Yap-Taruc, Josefina Patricia Asirit, and Geronimo Sta. Ana have appeared before the NBI. Sta. Ana is officer-in-charge while Chairman Jose Vicente Salvador is on leave pending the investigation.
Villa allegedly committed suicide last November 9 supposedly over corruption issues within the agency.
Police said Villa was found dead on his bed. A .38 caliber revolver and suicide notes were beside the body.
His younger sister, Charie Villa, showed three sets of suicide notes to CNN Philippines. In one note, Jun Villa pointed to his involvement at the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).
“I have fears about my BAC work. Our mistakes may bring on COA observations and disallowances,” the letter read.
Days before his death, Villa filed an application for early retirement, citing health reasons.
