Miriam defends Villar in ‘road to nowhere’ double funding link

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Tuesday defended Senate President Manny Villar from the allegations that he pocketed public money in the construction of the C-5 extension road from the South Luzon Expressway to Sucat, Parañaque City. A radio report quoted Santiago as saying that it is unlikely that Villar will commit the double entry of the road project funding worth P200 million in the 2008 General Appropriations Act because he is not “a darling of the Palace." “I don’t think that there is any evidence so far that Senator Villar has anything to do with it," Santiago said. Under a section on the 2008 GAA, the Department of Public Works and Highways had an item for the construction of the President Carlos Garcia Avenue Extension from SLEX to Sucat worth P200 million. On the other hand, the same item appeared in the GAA under “Urgent Infrastructure Including Local Projects," this time under the item "Construction of C-5 Road Extension from SLEX to Sucat Road," with the same amount appropriated for it. Senator Panfilo Lacson was earlier reported to have linked Senate President Manuel Villar Jr in the double insertion. Villar, however, slammed insinuations that he had a hand in the redundant road project entry. In a media briefing, Villar said his accusers are just maligning his name by linking him in the P200 million redundant appropriations for the road project. “I categorically deny any participation in the alleged erroneous appropriation in the 2008 national budget, Villar said in a statement. Villar did not name his accusers but said the Cavite residents will be the biggest beneficiaries of the project. He said the SLEX extension is a project of the DPWH and he has nothing to do with it. “Wala akong nakuha diyan kahit singkong duling," Villar said. He said he already expected accusations to be hurled against him after he declared his intention to run for president. “I have made known my intention to run for President in 2010 and I anticipate that this will open the floodgates to attacks. I intend to pursue this on a platform of good governance and meaningful reforms in our political system, including an honest-to-goodness crusade against corruption," Villar said. Villar further stressed he has long advocated for transparency and accountability in the government and has no intention of destroying his reputation as a public servant. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV