TWO congressmen showed up at the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday to refute allegations that they received kickbacks from flood control projects in their legislative districts.
The lawmakers, Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde and Caloocan City Rep. Dean Asistio, denied any wrongdoing.
Atayde brushed aside allegations that he derived any material benefits from contractors, asserting that he has never interacted with them.
“Again, it’s all hearsay because, as I have said, it would be better to provide us with evidence against me before making accusations. Since September 8, they have not given out any evidence against me or my father, and my father is willing to go into the investigation,” Atayde told reporters upon his arrival at the ICI office in Taguig City.
“We have nothing to hide. I will not hide and I will not fly to another country. I am here to fight for my innocence,” he stressed.
Asistio, for his part, said he attended the scheduled hearing upon the invitation of the ICI to shed light on his alleged involvement in the anomalous flood control projects.
“We voluntarily came here to the ICI to help on the investigation so that we may also be given the opportunity to clear our names regarding the allegations made against me,” said Asistio.
Atayde and Asistio belied the accusations that they received a sum of money as asserted by Pacifico Discaya during a Senate hearing in September.
The two legislators maintained that there were no ghost projects in their districts and reaffirmed the integrity of their offices and its initiatives.
Both congressmen asked the ICI for executive sessions. When asked why, Asistio said there may be sensitive information he could reveal to the commission, including the possibility of disclosing names.
“There might be a judgment by publicity,” Asistio said.
Atayde expressed his willingness to come back if requested by the commission.
The Department of Justice earlier placed Atayde and Asistio on an immigration lookout order, along with several other lawmakers and public works officials.
At the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last September, Discaya identified Atayde and Asistio as among the lawmakers who received money from flood control project deals.
Discaya claimed they had no choice but to cooperate. He said failure to cooperate would result in complications for the project awarded to them, either through termination or right-of-way issues, both of which would obstruct the project’s execution.
He indicated that the kickbacks or percentage were delivered in cash, with each transaction accompanied by a voucher and a ledger detailing the date on which the funds were received by the intended beneficiary.
