Statement of Eduardo Nachura

Ms. Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc

Editor in Chief

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Dear Ms. Magsanoc:

I saw the headline in your paper today, May 21, 2014, entitled “Mikey A also a Janet agent” and in a slightly smaller font “Ex-Justice Nachura tagged in scam too.” The article mentioned that I received commissions from a Catherine Mae Santos but in the table on page 15 of same issue, you state that the operation of Ms. Santos covers the years 2005-2006.

I vehemently deny this vile and malicious imputation. The news item contradicts itself. I was no longer a member of the House of Representatives in 2005-2006 when the alleged transaction with Mrs. Napoles took place. I was Representative of the Second District of Samar from June 30, 1998, to June 30, 2004. Throughout my term as Congressman, I strictly observed and followed a policy of transparency and convergence, where the identification of projects in my district was done only in consultation with my constituents and local government officials. All of these projects were aboveboard and the records will bear this out.  I have never met Mrs. Napoles or any of her representatives. Not one of my projects as Congressman was undertaken by Mrs. Napoles or any of her NGOs.

Incidentally, the other day, a TV station reported that Benhur Luy disowned the alleged digital records being attributed to him. It should then be very clear that with Benhur repudiating the alleged source, any further news reports based on those digital records smack of bad faith.

The other day also, in another broadsheet, my name was included in the list of former congressmen involved in the fertilizer scam. But true to the spirit of fairness, the other broadsheet clarified that the Commission on Audit had cleared me, along with several other former congressmen that included President Aquino. How I wish the same spirit of fairness prevailed in your newspaper too.

If any of your researchers or writers called me before publishing the article, this issue could have been clarified and the damage to my reputation which resulted therefrom would have been averted.

Thank you.

Very truly yours,

Antonio Eduardo B. Nachura

For more information: Atty. Analou S. Nachura-Gallardo 0917-8294429, 586436821