MANILA - A Palace spokesman on Monday said there is no need to investigate Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala because the Cabinet secretary is doing his job of ridding the department of corruption. In a press briefing, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Alcala continues to enjoy the trust of President Aquino despite allegations that some DA officials under Alcala have been linked to the alleged pork scam. "We don't see any need to investigate Secretary Alcala. Nanduon po ang tiwala ni Pangulong Aquino kay Secretary Alcala," he said. Lacierda said cases will be soon be filed against hoarders and DA officials linked to the scam. He also said the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council (IAAGCC) will investigate other non-government agencies not linked to Napoles that were mentioned in a special COA report on 2007-2009 pork barrel-funded projects. The spokesman also refuted claims that Alcala has been an "incompetent" Cabinet secretary. "I don't know where that is coming form. Secretary Alcala is one of the secretaries who has gone around the country. I think he has visited all the provinces in the country and he is a hardworking Cabinet secretary and we believe in his capabilities," he said. ANC, September 30, 2013
