MANILA, Philippines—Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. disputed, on Thursday, the allegations of graft and plunder filed against him in connection with the P488-million Iloilo Convention Center (ICC).
Senate President Franklin Drilon was named respondent in the case, together with Jimenez. The complainant, Manuel Mejorada, former provincial administrator of Iloilo, alleged that Drilon used his pork barrel funds to have the ICC constructed at an overprice.
ARTIST’S rendering of the Iloilo Convention Center. FROM ILOILO BUSINESS PARK
“I express full trust and confidence in the competence and sincerity of all those involved in the ICC Project. I firmly believe that our actions in support of this project will withstand scrutiny,” Jimenez said in a statement issued Thursday.
Jimenez, as head of the Department of Tourism, and Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson were named co-respondents in the complaint because their agencies were the ones tapped to implement the ICC project funded by Drilon’s congressional pork barrel.
“Notwithstanding this unfortunate allegation of overpricing, we will not allow this distraction to derail our mission to make tourism a force for growth and inclusiveness in this country,” Jimenez added.
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