MANILA – Several lawmakers who were included in the list of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) over public works anomalies have denied the allegations against them.
Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato said President Rodrigo Duterte’s accusation “is without any basis” and is “grossly unfair.” She said there was politics behind her tagging since PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica is a party-mate of her political foe.
“I am not involved in any anomaly in any project. I invite the office of the President to investigate all the projects in my province. I have been in public service for a long time and have maintained my good name in honest government service,” Sato said.
“The report made by Commissioner Belgica which impinges on my credentials as a public servant is clearly calculated to sow intrigues and disruption in the local politics of Occidental Mindoro,” she added.
Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza, meanwhile, also sees politics behind his inclusion.
“The President himself said he is not condemning anyone. PACC issued a report to him that in itself is unfair and not transparent,” Daza said. “I’m 100 percent sure this was the handiwork of my local political opponents to feed wrong libelous info to the PACC.”
Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman and Quezon City 5th District Rep. Alfred Vargas have also issued separate denials and opened themselves to investigation.
“Public service has never been a money-making venture for me or my family whose good name is highly esteemed in our district,” Roman said. “I am open to any investigation to establish the truth on this matter and I am sure that my honor will be vindicated. My conscience is clear.”
“The President himself stated ‘there is no solid evidence’ and ‘mentioning of names is not an indictment.’ I am certain that I will be cleared,” Vargas said in a statement.
ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Eric Yap and Misamis Occidental Rep. Henry Oaminal also expressed their side.
“Bilang PACC you should be responsible. Ang ginagawa niyo, nagwi-witchhunt kayo,” said Yap, denying rigging bids in Benguet and endorsing a DPWH district engineer to be able to control the awarding of projects.
“When I became Congressman, I sold all my shares in accordance with law. Upon verification, HSO Construction Corporation does not have any construction projects in all government agencies in Misamis Occidental, including DPWH,” Oaminal said.
Former Ifugao Rep. Teodoro “Teddy” Baguilat Jr., for his part, also refuted Duterte’s accusations. He then lambasted the latter for publicly dropping names even if there is no solid evidence.
“Kung tumatanggap ako ng kickback noong Congressman ako, ‘di na sana ako naghihirap tumulong magbenta ng pinunnog, honey at kape ng mga Cordilleran producers,” Baguilat said.
“‘Yung meron ebidensya na nag-mañanita at lumabag sa batas eh promoted. ‘Yung wala naman ebidensya na kumuha ng kickback, tinira sa primetime TV. I am aggrandized,” he added./PN
