MANILA — President Corazon Aquino said today the government is investigating possible irregularities by officials of the state-owned Philippine Airlines that have cost the company millions of dollars.

"The PAL Board authorized the investigators to secure and take possession of all PAL records needed to support the charges against PAL officials involved in the alleged anomalies," Aquino said in a statement.

The investigation followed allegations by a PAL director, Solicitor-General Frank Chavez, who said at least 22 people "in the uppermost level of PAL management" were involved in overpricing of airplane parts and the unnecessary purchase and misuse of equipment.

PAL has issued no statement on the matter.