MANILA - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Thursday said her office has initiated an investigation on Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Ronald de la Rosa for accepting an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas to see the fight of Senator Manny Pacquiao against Jessie Vargas.

Dela Rosa earlier admitted that Pacquiao spent for the tickets, accommodation and even allowances of him and his family during their Las Vegas trip to watch the Pacquiao-Vargas fight.

Pacquiao has defended his decision to pay for the trip of Dela Rosa and his family.

However, Republic Act 6713 states that “public officials and employees shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.”

Pacquiao bought some two thousands tickets – over a million dollars' worth – and also flew in some of his friends from the government himself.

"It's an honor na lahat sila, naka-suporta sa akin. Si Bato, Aguirre , at marami pang iba. 'Yung mga kasama na congressmen, si Toby Tiangco, Senator Villanueva. Maraming kaibigan na pumunta dito," Pacquiao had said while in Las Vegas.

"Libre ito ni Manny," dela Rosa admitted then, adding "lahat sila, galing ito sa Senator. Baka sabihin nila, government funds. Hindi naman ako ganoon kayaman [He treated us. This is not government funds and we are not that rich."