MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is determined to investigate corruption allegations against Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Shirley Ho Vicario, Malacanang said Tuesday.
“It will be investigated. The President takes this very, very seriously,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace press briefing.
According to a GMA News Online report, consular officer Elmor Maglunsod has lodged a formal complaint seeking the recall and investigation of Vicario for alleged corrupt and unethical practices.
Maglunsod filed the complaint before the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the President’s Complaint Center.
Vicario, whose husband Pascasio has also been included in the complaint, has vehemently denied the accusations.
Vicario started to serve as ambassador to Nigeria in 2017 after she was appointed by Duterte in October 2016.
She was also the country’s ambassador to Papua New Guinea from 2007 to 2010 during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.