4 congressmen accused in flood control mess deny involvement

Four of the eight members of the House of Representatives who were included in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure's recommendations to the Office of the Ombudsman for the filing of criminal and administrative charges have denied involvement in anomalous flood control projects.

In a statement, CWS Party-list Representative Edwin Gardiola said he is saddened by the allegations against him.

"Nalungkot ako nang marinig na nabanggit ang aking pangalan kahapon ukol sa diumano'y iregularidad sa mga proyekto ng flood control. Masakit na madamay sa ganitong usapin—hindi lamang para sa akin, kundi lalo na para sa mga taong ipinangako kong pagsilbihan nang may integridad," Gardiola said.

(I was saddened to hear that my name has been mentioned in connection with the alleged flood control project irregularities. It is painful to be included in these discussions, not just for me, but for the people to whom I promised to serve with integrity.) 

"Mariin kong itinatanggi ang anumang kaugnayan sa mga paratang na ito. Ang mga pahayag na ito ay walang katotohanan," he added.

(I strongly deny any connection to these matters. There is no truth to these statements.)

In a separate statement, Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative James "Jojo" Ang, Jr said he never abused his position in government to advance his personal interests.

"My conscience is clear. I am confident that I will be able to clear my name soon. My resolve for truth to come out is stronger and clearer," he said.

"In my three years in public service, I have never used my position in the government for my own interest and to profit in any way," he added.

Ang said that he is ready to face any case in the proper forum.

Cagayan 3rd District Representative Joseph "Jojo" Lara, for his part, clarified that he is no longer connected to JLL Pulsar Construction.

"Nais po nating ipabatid na bago pa man tayo sumabak sa serbisyo publiko ay wala na tayong anumang kaugnayan sa JLL Pulsar Construction at higit sa lahat, kahit kailan ay hindi po sumali ang JLL Pulsar Construction sa mga kontrata ng mga proyekto sa Tersera Distrito ng Cagayan mula po nung tayo ay naluklok bilang kinatawan ng Tersera Distrito," Lara said in a statement. 

(I want to clarify that even before I went into public service I no longer had any connection with JLL Pulsar Construction, and most especially at no point has JLL Pulsar Construction bid for contracts of the projects in the third district of Cagayan from the moment I became the district's representative.)

He said he is ready to clear his name in the proper forum.

"Magsisilbi po itong pagkakataon para sa atin na harapin ang lahat ng mga paratang at patunayan sa 'proper forum' na wala po tayong nilalabag na batas," Lara said.

(This will be an opportunity to face these allegations and prove in the proper forum that I have not broken any law.)

Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Francisco "Lalo" Matugas also said he has nothing to hide.

In a statement in Cebuano, Matugas said he is ready to submit documents and records once the formal investigation starts.

Former House Appropriations Chair and resigned Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co, Pusong Pinoy Party-list Representative Jernie Nisay, Bulacan 2nd District Representative Augustina Pancho, and Tarlac 3rd District Representative Noel Rivera have yet to issue statements.

House Speaker Faustino Dy III says all members of the House of Representatives are ready to cooperate in any investigation while still doing their responsibilities as legislators.

"Anuman ang mangyari, nananatiling nakatuon ang Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan sa tungkulin nitong maglingkod sa bayan. Ang pananagutan ay bahagi ng pagiging lingkod-bayan, at ang lahat ng miyembro—iniimbestigahan man o hindi—ay handang makipagtulungan sa anumang proseso habang patuloy na ginagampanan ang kanilang papel bilang mambabatas," Dy said in a statement.

(Whatever happens the House remains ready to carry out its duties to the nation. Accountability is part of public service and all of the members, whether they are investigated or not, are ready to help with whatever process while continuing in their service as lawmakers.)

Dy said he respects the mandate of the ICI and that all those involved in anomalous flood control projects should be made accountable.

"Mula noong unang araw ng ating panunungkulan bilang Speaker, binigyang-diin natin na igagalang ng Kapulungan ang mandato ng ICI at makikipagtulungan tayo nang walang alinlangan sa lahat ng imbestigasyon nito. Naniniwala tayo na ang katotohanan ay hindi dapat ikinukubli at ang mga may pananagutan ay dapat managot," he said.

(Since the start of my Speakership, I have stressed that the House respects the mandate of the ICI and that we will unhesitatingly help in all its investigations. I believe that the truth must not be hidden and that those involved must be held accountable.)

Other members of the House of Representatives also believe that the chamber's operations will not be affected by the investigation that the Office of the Ombudsman will conduct on at least 10% of House members.

"Confident naman ang leadership, pati ako. Confident naman ang House of Representatives can still continue to perform. Anyway, these are allegations. Hindi pa naman conviction," House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong said in an interview.

"Sa tingin ko hindi naman dapat maapektuhan ang operations ng kamara. At kahit sabihin natin 10% yan, you still have 90% of the members functioning and that's more than enough to get things done," House Assistant Minority Leader and Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno said in a separate interview. — BM, GMA Integrated News