‘I am fully prepared to participate in the Ombudsman’s investigation. I welcome a thorough and impartial review that will bring the truth to light and ensure that those genuinely accountable are held to answer.’
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Senator Mark Villar on Thursday said he is ready to be investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure referred his case to the anti-graft body.
In a statement, Villar said the ICI’s decision supports his longstanding position that the accusations against him lacked factual basis.
“The ICI’s decision to refer my case to the Ombudsman reaffirms what I have maintained from the outset: the allegations against me are baseless and unsupported by any evidence. I have always conducted myself with integrity and my track record speaks for itself,” Villar said.
The senator emphasized that he is prepared to fully cooperate with the investigation and expressed confidence that an impartial inquiry will clear his name.
“I am fully prepared to participate in the Ombudsman’s investigation. I welcome a thorough and impartial review that will bring the truth to light and ensure that those genuinely accountable are held to answer,” he added.
On Wednesday, the ICI referred a new set of cases to the Ombudsman, recommending further investigation and case buildup against Senators Chiz Escudero and Villar, as well as former Senator Grace Poe, “because of the gravity of the allegations” in connection with alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
The ICI also urged the filing of direct and indirect bribery, corruption of public officials, plunder, and administrative charges against former Senator Bong Revilla and several others, including Maynard Ngu, Carleen Villa, Gerard Opulencia, Manny Bulusan, Ruel Umali, Gene Ryan Altea, Carleen Yap-Villa, J.Y. dela Rosa, Carlo Aguilar and a Mrs. Patron.
ICI chairperson, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., earlier announced the referrals but declined to provide additional details, noting that the recommendations were based on the testimony of former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
