Drilon: Don’t use probe on Iloilo building to spread lies

By: Maila Ager - 10 years ago

Sen. Franklin Drilon. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines–While he said he has no objection if the Senate decides to continue its investigation into the alleged overpricing of the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC), Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday appealed not to use the chamber for “lies” and “political assassination.”

“Sa akin po ay sinusuportahan ko ang buong imbestigasyon. Wala po akong tinatago kaya hindi naman ako nagtatago, nakita naman ng taumbayan, humarap ako at sumagot ako sa lahat ng tanong. Wala naman kasing katiwalian dito,” Drilon said over radio.

(For me, I support the entire investigation. I have nothing to hide that’s why I’m not hiding and the people saw that when I faced and answered all questions. There really was no anomaly here.)

The Senate leader was referring to his decision to face the Senate Blue Ribbon’s hearing last week and answered all allegations being hurled at him in connection with the ICC, which is his pet project.

In that hearing, no less than his accuser, former provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada, admitted that he had no evidence that the project was indeed overpriced or if the Senate leader had conspired with other heads of agencies to jack up the cost of the ICC.

“Kaya po ako ay di-nagoobject diyan (That is why I don’t object it),” Drilon said of the proposed continuation of the hearing.

“Ang tanging pakiusap ko lang, huwag naman gamitin ang Senado for lies and political assassination. Yung facts lang, kung ano talaga ang nangyari,” he said.

(My only request is not to use the Senate for lies and political assassination. Just the facts, and what really happened)

The Senate, Drilon said, should not also be used as a forum for “character assassination.”

“Ngunit uulitin ko, sinusuportahan ko at wala akong objection to the continuation of the hearing,” Drilon added.

(But I repeat, I support and I have no objection to the continuation of the hearing.)