Espino denies involvement in pork barrel scam
LUY: “NO SARO BUT….”
LINGAYEN– “I did not participate in any such kind of transaction. Honestly, I do not know anybody of them. I do not know Luy. I do not know Napoles.”
A bewildered Governor Amado Espino Jr. bristled at the inclusion of his name in the series published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer allegedly based on Benhur Luy’s files.
“I don’t know him or Napoles, never met them and never transacted with any Napoles foundation, “ Espino angrily reacted.
His name, together with Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil and then congressman and Alaminos City mayor Arthur Celeste and former 5th District Rep. and now Abono Party-List representative Conrado Estrella III were listed as among those whose names appeared in Luy’s files who purportedly had transactions with some of the fake foundations organized by Janet Lim Napoles.
Espino noted the only seeming redeeming factor in the PDI article was the claim that there was no special allocation release order (SARO) or any specific project or implementing agency indicated.
As published, the alleged entry in Luy’s report was quoted to have stated: “Without SARO, but no record.”
In a press statement released to the media, the governor pointed out “… in truth and in fact, I have NEVER authorized the release of any funds from my congressional funds, nor allowed my office to be used as conduit of funds from some national government agencies, for any proponent or beneficiary related to Benhur Luy. That is why there is no SARO to speak of, in the first place.”
The name and picture of Espino alongside Bataoil and Celeste were featured in the PDI infographic titled, “Special Report on Members of the House of Representatives in Napoles racket.”
Espino said that he is consulting his lawyer about a possible legal action.
Bataoil also vehemently denied the claim as reported.
He sent the following text message to the local media: “Let justice take its course. The appropriate committees and agencies are already investigating on the matter of this alleged pork barrel scam. I again assure our constituents that all of our PDAF projects were duly implemented with utmost transparency. Every project was a result of my continuing consultation and visitation on the ground.”
The PUNCH did not receive a reaction from Celeste. (Johanne R. Macob)
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