Ombudsman may act on anonymous tips with verifiable leads amid ‘ghost internet’ probe

• Courtesy of Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman may investigate alleged government irregularities based on anonymous complaints or information, provided these contain factual allegations, verifiable leads or supporting evidence according to a TechWatchPH source inside the anti-graft body.

The source made the clarification amid the Ombudsman’s investigation into the alleged “ghost internet” scheme involving government information technology and connectivity projects.

Ombudsman probes alleged DICT ‘ghost internet’ scheme

“The Ombudsman has the power to investigate any lead, even from anonymous sources,” the source said.

The source, however, neither confirmed nor denied whether an individual or a group had submitted information or leads that triggered the investigation into the alleged ghost internet scheme.

The source said individuals with knowledge of questionable government contracts, procurement, projects or transactions may provide information to the Ombudsman without publicly identifying themselves.

However, the source stressed that anonymous allegations should be supported by solid leads, documents or other information that investigators can independently verify.

Under Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2022, anonymous complaints involving graft and corrupt practices may be acted upon when they contain factual allegations and verifiable leads or are supported by documentary evidence.

Such complaints may undergo case build-up to validate the allegations, retrieve documents, verify leads and identify possible witnesses.

The Ombudsman may also initiate investigations based on information it receives involving possible illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient acts by government officials, employees or agencies.

How to submit an anonymous lead

Individuals submitting anonymous information should provide specific details about the alleged irregularity, including the government agency or project involved, people or companies concerned if known, relevant dates and the transaction or activity being questioned.

Supporting materials such as contracts, procurement records, billing statements, screenshots, correspondence, technical documents and other records may also be submitted to give investigators leads that can be verified.

Written complaints and supporting evidence may be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman Central Office at the Ombudsman Building, Sen. Miriam P. Defensor-Santiago Avenue, formerly Agham Road, Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Diliman, Quezon City 1105.

Anonymous complainants, however, may not be informed of the action taken on their submissions.

The clarification comes as the Ombudsman investigates an alleged “ghost internet” scheme involving billions of pesos in government technology projects.

The investigation is looking into allegations that hardware may have been delivered and inspected while software, internet connectivity or other technology services covered by government contracts were not subjected to the same level of verification.

Investigators are also examining whether government paid for software, systems or connectivity that were outdated, inadequate or not delivered according to contract specifications, including projects involving government internet connectivity and Free Wi-Fi.

Malacañang on Sept. 22 backed the Ombudsman investigation, saying alleged anomalous transactions involving public officials should be thoroughly investigated.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology has also said it would cooperate with the investigation and provide documents, technical information and other records requested by the Ombudsman.

No finding of wrongdoing has been announced against any specific government official or contractor as the investigation remains ongoing.