Mark Villar: ICI push for Ombudsman probe shows claims are ‘unsupported, baseless'

Senator Mark Villar on Wednesday said the recommendation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to further investigate his suposed links to anomalous flood control projects only showed that the allegations against him are baseless.

In a statement, Villar also assured that he is “fully prepared to participate in the Ombudsman’s investigation.”

“The ICI’s decision to refer my case to the Ombudsman reaffirms what I have maintained from the outset: the allegations against me are baseless and unsupported by any evidence,” he said.

“I welcome a thorough and impartial review that will bring the truth to light and ensure that those genuinely accountable are held to answer. I am confident that any fair investigation will dispel the false allegations against me,” Villar added.

Villar, a former Public Works Secretary, also maintained that he has always conducted himself with integrity and that his track record will speak for itself.

Earlier in the day, the ICI recommended that the Ombudsman conduct further investigation on the alleged involvement of Villar, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, former Senator Nancy Binay, and former Senate finance chairperson Grace Poe in anomalous flood control projects.

In a press briefing, ICI chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. said they recommended a further probe and case build-up on the said individuals and that they will immediately submit any additional evidence to the Ombudsman.

Reyes said the referral is based on the affidavits and testimonies given by former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who previously claimed that he facilitated kickbacks for Villar, Poe, and several other government officials. — JMA, GMA Integrated News