Mikey Arroyo denies dealing with Napoles

Former Congressman Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo  FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Former Congressman Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo on Tuesday denied dealing with alleged Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles while he was still in Congress.

In a statement, Arroyo, through his legal adviser Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, said he does not know Napoles.

“Aside from the fact that the list has no evidentiary value, and that the motives of those circulating it are highly suspicious, Mr. Arroyo categorically denies having had any dealings with Ms. Napoles at any time in relation to his PDAF. Neither does he know Ms. Napoles as a friend nor has associated with her professionally, nor in any matter relating to business,” Topacio said.

He added that not one of his official transactions have been questioned by the Commission on Audit.

“His name also never cropped up during the Senate hearings on the PDAF, and he was never mentioned by any of the so-called ‘whistleblowers,’” Topacio said.

The former congressman also told the public to be extra careful before they react or form any judgements against him.

He said that the list being circulated is unsigned and unauthenticated.

Still, Topacio said Arroyo is willing to cooperate with any investigation regarding any disbursement of the PDAF funds. With reports from Jean Kyle Kelly

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