Acosta: Suspension to affect my programs

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Adviser Nereus Acosta yesterday said the Sandiganbayan order suspending him would definitely affect his campaign and programs for the protection of the environment.

Though lamenting the anti-graft court’s ruling Friday that imposed on him a 90-day preventive suspension while facing a graft case, Acosta said he would abide by it like a good public official.

But Acosta said he would still clarify before the court what are the exact or specific tasks he cannot perform while under suspension as Presidential Assistant on Climate Change and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) general manager.

He said he would want to clear the matter up so he knows where he should be while helping the government.

“We will not challenge the court order. But I would still want to help in the government’s program for the environment. With the suspension, I will not be able to sign memos and issue cease-and-desist orders but then I still would want to do something concrete,” Acosta said.

“Where I will be allowed in other capacities in the course of the 90 days to help the cause of protecting or rehabilitating ecosystems around the country, especially the Laguna Lake Basin, and speak on the challenges of addressing climate change impacts, I shall do so with unwavering commitment,” he added.

The Sandiganbayan on Friday ordered Acosta placed under 90-day preventive suspension for alleged misuse of his pork barrel funds when he was still congressman of Bukidnon.

The anti-graft court’s Fourth Division directed the Office of the President through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and the LLDA Board of Directors to implement Acosta’s suspension during the trial of the P10.5-million graft case for alleged fraudulent disbursements of his pork barrel funds.

In a 10-page resolution, Acosta was ordered to “cease and desist from further performing and/or exercising the functions, duties, and privileges of the positions he is currently occupying.”

Acosta said he respects the court order suspending him from office.

But he suspected some people could be behind the “attack” on him.

Though he refused to name names, Acosta said his suspension could be politically motivated. “This is politics. There are different people with different interests. Imagine that we are talking here of a case that is 12 years old and I was still a congressman of Bukidnon. You can have enemies who will rehash issues against you,” Acosta said.

“In the end, I will be vindicated, and that justice will be served and the ongoing trial of my case will allow me to fully clear my name,” he added.

Acosta is accused of involvement in the allegedly illegal transfer of a solar tunnel dryer worth P2.5 million from the municipality of Talakag to Manolo Fortich and its subsequent use and management by the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries Inc. (BINHI) when he was still serving as representative of the province.

He was also accused of releasing public funds to the same private entity in the amount of P2.5 million and releasing public funds amounting to P5.5 million to the Bukidnon Vegetables Producers Cooperative (BVPC), another private entity.

Both private entities were allegedly controlled by his relatives.

Acosta allegedly used his influence and power as a congressman in transferring P2.5 million of his pork barrel funds to the two private firms. The money was supposedly earmarked for the development of Talakag town.