By Janice Cave
MANILA, (PNA) — Malacañang labeled as ‘malicious’ reports linking Interior Sec. Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas to the pork barrel scam involving fake non-government organizations allegedly owned by Janet Lim Napoles.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda defended Roxas, saying he was willing to provide documents regarding the allocation of P5 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund to an NGO when he was still senator.
“This is not one of those NGOs that are affiliated to Janet Napoles and any suggestions that Secretary Mar Roxas is involved in any scam is malicious,” he said.
“Si Secretary Roxas is very transparent. He’s willing to provide all the documents. This is just a P5 million fund that’s being stated. I don’t know why this is being made an issue,” Lacierda said.
Roxas was one of the former legislators and current Cabinet members mentioned in a Commission on Audit Special report covering the years 2007-2009 to have allocated a portion of their PDAF to questionable NGOs.
The report said Roxas allocated P5 million to Kaloocan Assistance Council Inc.
Lacierda said based on the special audit report, KACI was not listed as one of the fake NGOs identified with Napoles.
The report said the NGO used the funds to provide financial assistance to their employees.
They should explain to COA why they used it as financial assistance to their employees,” Lacierda said.