Senate investigation into the PDEA leaks. (File photo from PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Indian businessman Manjinder “James” Kumar denied his supposed involvement in the controversies surrounding the allegedly leaked documents linking President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos to illegal drug use.
In a statement on Monday, Kumar said he does not know former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales and that he is unaware of the issue he is involved in.
Former National Police Commission agent Eric “Pikoy” Santiago dragged Kumar and a certain “LAM” into the controversy.
Santiago mentioned their names in a CCTV footage previously presented during the chamber’s hearing.
Santiago apparently is asking Morales not to testify about the alleged PDEA leaks, citing possible dangers to his life.
“I categorically deny the alleged three-way call between former agent Santiago, myself and LAM. The claim itself is unbelievable, and any logical person would see the absurdity of the claim,” said Kumar.
“My conscience is clear; I decided not to say anything. But of course, I tried to find out what it was all about and why my name was dragged into the investigation,” he noted.
“I am unaware why my name was included in the Senate inquiry and why allegedly Agent Eric Santiago and Romy mentioned my name or LAM,” he added.
READ: Businessman James Kumar skips Senate panel’s ‘PDEA leaks’ probe
According to the Indian businessman, he decided to break his silence when his life, his family, and his friends were also dragged into the mess.
“I am not a politician, although I have a lot of friends and acquaintances in politics. That’s only it. I am not directly or even indirectly involved in politics,” Kumar said.
“Hence, it is sad that somehow this political circus misled people and ruined reputations by taking as gospel truth matters posted online, despite warnings on fake news,” he continued.
To further defend his name, Kumar emphasized that he never denied that cases have been filed against him.
He proceeded to name some of these charges including alleged estafa, illegal recruitment, child abuse and rape. He said all of these cases have been dismissed.
Kumar was not able to attend the Senate public order and dangerous drugs probe into the “PDEA leaks” on Monday.
He briefly attended the probe virtually, but Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa asked him to leave because of his condition.
Still, in the brief moments of his attendance, Kumar maintained that he was not involved in the mess surrounding PDEA leaks.