Presidential son-in-law Manases Carpio denied his involvement anew in the P6.4 billion smuggled shabu that slipped past the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
“I am here before this committee to formally declare that I have no knowledge of or involvement in the illegal drugs shipment which is the subject matter of this inquiry, and to assist this committee in whatever way I can as a resource person,” Carpio said during the Senate blue ribbon committee probe on Thursday.
Carpio lamented that he and his brother-in-law Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte have already been “publicly crucified” on allegations based on “rumors and gossips.”
“Me and my brother-in-law have been publicly crucified based on rumors and gossips,” said Carpio, husband of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
(From left) Presidential son Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and son-in-law Mans Carpio. LYN RILLON/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
Carpio also denied knowing Mark Taguba, a Customs “broker” claiming to have conducted illegal negotiations with Customs.
“I don’t know Mark Ruben Taguba, and I have not met him. I’m a lawyer by profession and my practice involves representing my clients in courts and other government institutions inclduing the BOC.”
“In fact, the case I’m working on in the BOC dates back to the administration of (former) President (Benigno) Aquino (III),” he added. je