Maceda denies ‘smuggling’ report

Former Ambassador Ernesto Maceda defended himself yesterday against accusations that he "smuggled" 25 people into the United States when he was assigned at the Philippine Embassy in Washington.

"It’s impossible," he said, referring to the allegations of sources at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that he issued official passports to 25 people listed as his "private staff" members.

"The US Embassy would never allow it," he said. "As a matter of fact, I brought only six members of my household."

Maceda said former DFA Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr. would never allow him to take 25 people with him as private staff members. He added that the US Embassy also checks applicants for visas, interviews them and checks their background, before allowing them to travel to the US.

"This is another kuryente (erroneous) story meant to continue harassing us simply because we supported former President Joseph Estrada," he stressed.