MANILA, Philippines (PNA) - The administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the initiative of the United Nations (UN) in helping his government to shed light on the ongoing investigations of alleged funds conversion in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a press briefing at Malacanang on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda expressed interest on the United Nations’ offer to assist in the probe by various investigating bodies regarding the alleged misuse of UN peacekeeping funds intended for Filipino troops sent to East Timor.

"We welcome that; it will be good for us to determine what happened to the UN peacekeeping funds," Lacierda said.

"We would be more than happy, with the cooperation of UN to provide us with all the necessary avenues to determine where the diversion happened,” he added.

"We are passionate about our anti-corruption promise and part of our commitment is to get to the bottom of corruption allegations in the military," Lacierda said.

UN National Information Officer Teresa Debuque said in a statement that while the alleged diversion of UN funds is a national matter, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) assured that the UN "will assist if requested" by the Philippine government.

Lacierda said the government intends to request for assistance from the UN.