Name-dropped by Duterte, ex-Customs exec Jumamil denies corruption allegation

Lawyer Teodoro Jumamil has denied corruption allegations made by President Rodrigo Duterte, saying his former and current superiors could vouch for his character.

Jumamil on Tuesday afternoon responded to criticisms made by Duterte during a televised address aired on Tuesday, where the President called him "very corrupt" and "balasubas."

"I deny that I am engaged in corruption. I cannot say anything in my defense, except a general denial," he said in a phone interview with GMA News Online.

"The best persons who could attest to my character are the heads of the BOC, General Guerrero, and the chairman of the Board of Directors of DBP, former Senator Romulo," he added.

Jumamil was the former chief of staff of the Bureau of Customs under Commissioner Rey Leonardo "Jagger" Guerrero, and currently sits at the board of the directors of the Development Bank of the Philippines chaired by Alberto Romulo.

"I cannot give you anything beyond that because anything I would say is subserving. All I can say is I deny that, and just ask the chairman Romulo of DBP and General Guerrero, so they can attest to my character as a public servant and as a person," said Jumamil.

Duterte had questioned Jumamil for holding two positions, as the President claimed that the Customs official was expecting favors after helping out in the past.

"Napaka-corrupt niyan. Di ko maintidihan bakit dalawa [ang posisyon], board member ng DBP tapos nagtatrabaho sa Customs," said Duterte.

Jumamil declined to comment on the appointment issue, as he said the matter is currently pending before the Court of Appeals (CA).

"In so far as the appointment is concerned, that is sub judice. That is the subject of a petition with the Court of Appeals," he said.

"It's pending with the third division of the Court of Appeals, and therefore I cannot give you a comment on the validity of my appointment as DBP Director and Attorney V of the BOC. It's sub judice so I cannot comment on that," he added. —KBK, GMA News