President Rodrigo Duterte bared the names of some members of the House of Representatives who have been linked to alleged corruption related to infrastructure projects, based on the initial investigation of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).
Among the congressmen he named in a public address are:
- Occidental Mindoro Representative Josephine Ramirez-Sato
- Former Ifugao Representative Teodoro Baguilat Jr.
- Quezon City Fifth District Representative Alfred Vargas
- Misamis Occidental Representative Henry Oaminal
- Isabela Fourth District Representative Alyssa Sheena Tan
- Northern Samar Representative Paul Daza
- Quezon province Representative Angelina Helen Tan
- ACT-CIS Partylist Representative Eric Yap
- Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman
The President also relieved from their posts district engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways who are allegedly involved in corrupt practices, namely Lorna Ricardo, De Marlyn Inguillo, Anna Lee Manzano, Carol Lyn Abinales, Editha Babaran, and Edmundo De Luna.
Duterte made clear that the graft allegations against the lawmakers had yet to be proven.
“I just want to assure everybody that ‘yung pagbasa sa pangalan ninyo is not a condemnation or an indictment that you are guilty of something,” Duterte said.
“Do not take it as a gospel truth na totoo talaga ito. Lumabas lang ito sa investigation ng PACC,” he added.
Solons denial
Rep. Vargas denied the allegation as he expressed willingness to be investigated.
“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. I am ready to submit myself to an investigation by the proper authority. Mere allegation is not proof,” Vargas said.
“I have been a public servant for the last 12 years. My record is unblemished. My conscience is clear. I will not allow my political detractors, who misinformed PACC, to tarnish my name and reputation with wild accusations bereft of the truth. Mukha pong napadalhan ang PACC ng maling inpormasyon ng mga nakakalaban natin sa Pulitika,” he added.
Rep. Sato also stressed that there is no basis on the accusation against her.
“I am devastated! This has no basis and grossly unfair! I do not have any involvement in any corruption! I categorically deny the baseless allegation hurled against me tonight. Apparently, the only basis is a report compiled by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission headed by Commissioner Greco Belgica. Even the President himself said that “walang ebidensya ito,” Sato said.
“Commissioner Belgica is a known ally and party mate of a prominent incumbent official in our province of Occidental Mindoro. This politician intends to run against me in the upcoming 2022 local elections. 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.
Sato also challenged Belgica to prove his allegations by observing due process and the rule of law.