Jerome Paras not involved in road bidding anomalies

MANILA, Philippines - I take exception to the news item appearing on the front page of the February 5, 2009 issue of The Philippine STAR naming former Negros Oriental Rep. Jerome Paras as one of the two former Congressmen mentioned in a World Bank report involved in alleged anomalies in the bidding of World Bank funded projects.

Obviously, I am not the one being referred to. While indeed I am a former Congressman of Negros Oriental, my term expired in 1998. I was replaced by my brother Jacinto Paras who served as Congressman until 2007.

Please note that the alleged anomalous transaction subject of the World Bank report transpired long after my term as Congressman expired. I have returned to the private sector since my term ended in 1998. I do not know any of the contractors mentioned nor the DPWH officials involved. I am in no way involved in these alleged anomalies.

I would appreciate if the necessary correction are made. — JEROME V. PARAS, Former Congressman, 1st District, Negros Oriental