Aquino trusts Abaya amid MRT, DAP charges – Palace

MANILA, Philippines – Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya may be accused of facilitating an alleged anomalous contract for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) but President Benigno Aquino III remains on his side, Malacanang said Sunday.

DOTC Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“Sa akin pong alam, buo pa ang kumpyansa at tiwala ng Pangulo sa kanya,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over state-run radio.

(As far as I know, he still has the confidence and trust of the President.)

The Ombudsman on Thursday ordered a formal preliminary investigation on Abaya, former MRT General Manager Al Vitangcol, and other concerned officials for entering into an alleged anomalous maintenance contract for the MRT. An initial investigation by the Ombudsman revealed that there was no emergency situation that should have merited the negotiated procurement.

Abaya is also under fire for allegedly receiving the biggest allocation from the Disbursement Acceleration Program among lawmakers. Under the list released by opposition spokesperson Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Abaya received P408 million worth of projects funded by the DAP.

Coloma said no meeting has been set between Aquino and Abaya, as well as with Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima, who is facing plunder and indirect bribery charges.

However, he said Abaya was with Aquino during an official visit to Europe and was among the officials who received the President upon his return to the Philippines last Thursday.

Meanwhile, Coloma reiterated that the President will wait for Purisima’s return so he can explain the issue of his alleged unexplained wealth and the construction of the PNP chief’s official residence, dubbed the “White House” at the PNP headquarters.