Cuenco hit for ‘leaking’ scolding

CEBU CITY — Presidential liaison officer for the Visayas Elberto Emphasis doubts Rep. Antonio Cuenco’s trustworthiness after the solon reportedly leaked to the media what transpired during the meeting between President Arroyo and Cebu businessmen last Saturday.

Emphasis said the closed-door meeting with the President is similar to an executive session in a congressional hearing where absolute confidentiality is assured.

He said Cuenco’s act casts serious doubts on the safety of the witnesses in the congressional probe on suspected drug lords in Cebu, where the solon sits as chairman.

Cuenco was the one who reportedly leaked to the media that the President "scolded" Emphasis for rescheduling the "impromptu" meeting with members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Meanwhile, lawyer Oliveros Kintanar said that Anastacia Emphasis is not a credible witness against his clients, businessmen Peter and Wellington Lim, whom Cuenco’s panel is probing for alleged drug trafficking.

Kintanar, in a radio interview, said his clients do not know Anastacia and only knew her name in the news.

The lawyer said his clients are ready to face Anastacia during the resumption of the congressional hearing on Dec. 7. — Freeman News Service