FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross on Wednesday denied allegations that their secretary general Gwendolyn Pang had misused P200-million worth of aid funds.
The organization, in reaction to a TV news report on the matter, said the allegations were part of “a long-running and malicious campaign orchestrated by disingenuous members of the Red Cross who have since been dismissed.”
The news report said Pang used funds from donations for personal use and tarpaulins for former senator and Red Cross chairperson Richard Gordon. Proper procedures were supposedly not followed in the purchase of plastic whistles, as well as ambulances bought using Gordon’s Priority Development Assistance Fund.
Red Cross said the accusations were “entirely baseless” and that they had already investigated it.
“Following the investigation, Ms. Pang was fully exonerated and the Philippine Red Cross Governing Board has expressed its full confidence in her continued leadership of the organization,” the statement said.
The group insisted that they are serious in maintaining accountability and transparency, with their accounts regularly audited by a “reputed international independent auditor.”
They expressed dismay that the media had been used to discredit the official, as well as “belittle the efforts of the thousands of Red Cross volunteers from across the country who are currently engaged in the humanitarian response to Typhoon Yolanda.”
The Philippine Red Cross asked for continued public support to sustain emergency relief and long term recovery efforts in areas hit by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).
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