MANILA, Philippines (PNA) -– Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila De Lima on Wednesday said that the investigation into the fund anomaly in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue despite the death of former AFP chief of staff and erstwhile Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes.

In an ambush interview, De Lima said that the DOJ actually is the one being expected to initiate the official process that would lead to prosecution.

"This is the best time, this is the best opportunity na kalkalin ang katiwalian sa (to dig into the anomaly in the) military. This is the best time to do it. Hindi natin dapat sayangin ang ginagawa nina Col. Rabusa, Col. Lim at Heidi Mendoza (We should not waste what Col. Rabusa, Col. Lim and Heidi Mendoza are doing), De Lima said.

"We have to seize the moment," De Lima said.

Former AFP budget officer retired Lt. Col. George Rabusa had exposed before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Senator Teofisto Guingona III, about the alleged "pabaon at pasalubong system" (send-off gift/token) to former AFP chiefs of staff ranging from P50 million up to P160 million.

Former Commission on Audit (COA) auditor Heidi Mendoza divulged before the House Justice Committee, chaired by Iloilo City Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., about the alleged unaudited disbursements made by former AFP comptroller retired Maj. Gen. Carlos F. Garcia that amounted to some P200 million.

"Wala tayong nakikitang indikasyon na nagsisinungaling sila, (We don't see any indication that they lie)," De Lima said.

De Lima noted that the thrust ng Congress is no different which is legislation.

"In the Department of National Defense, that's internal and we hope to get facts. We hope to get evidence from there," De Lima said.

De Lima said the evidence presented in the Senate investigation can be used by the DOJ.

"I'm not prepared to say at this point if there's going to be an indictment. It all depends on the evidence to be presented to us," De Lima said.

De Lima said there could be other high officials involved in the AFP fund scam.

"This is not just about Secretary Reyes, but a higher issue that is corruption in the military," De Lima said.

"Kasi, hindi naman pwede na dalawa o tatlo lang sila (Because, it cannot be that there are only two or three of them). In fact, It's a conspiracy," De Lima said.

The DOJ is still waiting for a more extensive affidavit of Col. Rabusa on the alleged corruption in the AFP.

De Lima has not yet issued the D.O. (Department Order) on the creation of a fact-finding panel or direct preliminary investigation in the sense that she is not sure yet what kind of panel will be created.

"I'm sure, either way, it's either a fact-finding committee or fact-finding panel or a direct preliminary investigation," De Lima said.

De Lima assured that the investigation will be open to the public and will be transparent.

She noted that in a preliminary investigation, there are rules such as rules of evidence as well as the rights of the individual.