LINGAYEN—The provincial board has expressed its trust and confidence in Department of Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III amidst reported news items insinuating his involvement in the alleged bribery of prosecutors n the controversial Ampatuan case.

Sixth district Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr., author of the resolution, cited Baraan’s impeccable public service record, from being one of the illustrious sons of Pangasinan, more particularly in Dasol town, to being a former board member of the province from 1988 to 1992, 1995 to 1998 and 1998 to 2001.

“Atty. Francisco Baraan II is also considered one of the respected legal luminaries of this province,” Bince said.

In the resolution adopted last week, it read “The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan is of firm belief that the said smear campaign against Atty. Francisco Baraan III will not at all affect his integrity and competence in the performance of his duties as undersecretary of the Department of Justice in the delivery, administration and promotion of fair and equal justice.”

Earlier, private prosecutor Nena Santos and state witness Lakmudin Saliao earlier publicly accused Baraan and members of the DOJ panel of receiving millions in bribe money from the Ampatuans, the principal suspects in the massacre, to sabotage the case.

Baraan vehemently denied the charges. (Tita Roces)

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