North Cotabato gov Mendoza to answer accusations—lawyer

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza. PHOTO FROM www.cotabatoprov.gov.ph

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Lawyer Vincent Paul Montejo, North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Mendoza’s legal counsel, said his client remains confident that she will be able to address all the accusations of the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Any accusation of partiality, preference or bias in favor of any gas station has no basis. What should be borne in mind is that Gov. Mendoza is not a member of the Bids and Awards Committee (“BAC”). It follows then that she did not handpick or select any particular station as the Province’s supplier for the P2.4M fuel,” Montejo said in a statement Friday.

READ: North Cotabato gov Mendoza faces graft rap

“Contrary to what the Ombudsman is saying, the fuel was procured after it went through a form of bidding, allowed under the Government Procurement Act and as recommended by the BAC,” Montejo said.

“Lastly, the Ombudsman also ignored evidence that fuel was actually utilized for the Province’s road projects,” he added. RAM