Mindoro lawmaker denies ‘pork’ raps, seeks reinvestigation

MANILA, Philippines - Former Oriental Mindoro lawmaker Rodolfo Valencia has denied  allegations that he pocketed P2.41 million in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reinvestigate the charges.

In a letter to the DOJ, he questioned the authenticity of  documents used as basis to file  malversation and other charges against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Valencia said he had already proven before the Commission on Audit (COA) that his signature was forged in the documents.

“Records will prove I have earlier called the attention of the COA that my signatures were forged and falsified in several documents... in connection with the conduct of government-wide audit of PDAF programs and project implemented during calendar years 2007-2009,” read the letter.

“I therefore find the inclusion of my  person on your list of former members of the House of Representatives who have allegedly benefited from the PDAF scam not only shocking but most unfortunate and offensive.

“Unfortunately, the aforecited clarificatory documents were not available or unwittingly disregarded in the investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation... Had I been invited by the NBI, in the observance of my constitutional right to due process, I could have readily submitted these documents to clear my person.”

Valencia copy furnished to the DOJ his sworn statements submitted to the COA last year clarifying the issue.

He urged Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to order a reinvestigation of his alleged involvement in the PDAF scam.

“Compared to my authentic signature below, one could easily detect even by the naked eye that the specimen purported to be my signatures in these documents were forged/falsified. This can be verified by our NBI experts, no less,” he said.

His office would be ready to cooperate with his proposed reinvestigation, he added.

Valencia was among the seven former lawmakers that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) charged with malversation, direct bribery and graft and corrupt practices before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Others were Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa  (P1.95 million), Salacnib Baterina of Ilocos Sur (P7.5 million), Douglas Cagas of Davao del Sur (P9.3 million), Marc Douglas Cagas IV (P5.54 million), Arrel Olaño of Davao del Norte (P3.175 million), and Arthur Pingoy of South Cotabato (P7.055 million).