by Raadee Sausa January 11, 2021 Rep. Helen Tan LUCENA CITY - A ...
January 11, 2021
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| Rep. Helen Tan |
LUCENA CITY - A lawmaker accused of alleged corruption involving infrastructure projects denied claims against her on Tuesday.
Rep. Helen Tan of the 4th district of Quezon said in a statement that her inclusion in the list of allegedly corrupt congressmen is “not only malicious but also prejudicial."
The list was submitted by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and read by President Rodrigo Duterte in a speech on Monday.
The President stressed that there is “no hard evidence” against the lawmaker included in the roster.
“The recent report released by the [PACC] linking my name in an alleged corruption regarding a botched up project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) . . . is not only derogatory but also prejudicial as it holds no water due to the lack of evidence—a fact which was also pointed out by the President in the same speech to which I am deeply saddened that such allegation exists,” Tan said.
“This baseless accusation stems from an infrastructure project that I had spearheaded in 2016, the Gumaca Bypass Road,” she added.
Tan explained that the project, which cost P800 million, was designed primarily to save motorist travel time in Gumaca, Quezon.
“Likewise, it was intended to decongest heavy traffic in the area, stimulate local economic growth, encourage investors that would create jobs in the locality and improve the lives of my constituents,” she said.
Moreover, it is to fast track economic growth in nearby provinces by improving travel time through the said road project, such as those traversing the Manila-Bicol route and vice versa,” Tan added.
While the road has yet to be paved, the lawmaker noted that a section of it is already being utilized by motorists as an alternate route to avoid the heavy traffic in the town of Gumaca.
“I had been very optimistic that this project would be completed within the five-year timeframe, stipulated in the contract,” Tan said.
She added that she had been “diligent in ensuring that the project—from its conception to the release of funds”
The project, “went through its proper course” to make sure that it will directly benefit her constituents and neighboring provinces, Tan said.
“[A]s proof, even the DPWH cited the said project in their official website as part of the agency’s deliverables. Had there been issues regarding its construction and implementation, it should be DPWH’s responsibility being the sole agency mandated to conduct all construction operations of the public infrastructure of the state,” she said.
Tan said that the project had been derailed because of the pandemic and the recent typhoons that caused massive flooding in the region, which she pointed out was “something that I no longer have control.”
“It is hard not to feel dismayed and powerless with the sudden turn of fortuitous events, especially for my constituents who had been equally hopeful to the opportunities this project might bring to the locality. And as the duly elected representative of the 4th District of Quezon, it is my duty to address their most pressing concerns and offer solutions to the best of my ability,” she said.
The lawmaker insisted that her “conscience is clear” and that she “merely performed what my constituents expect of me and to bring into completing this project.”
“In fact, just like them, I too am a victim for hoping that this project would be delivered without delay and within the timeframe that was promised. If there is someone that should be a subject of investigation it is the agency mandated to carry out the full implementation of the project,” Tan said.
Nevertheless, she thanked the President for mentioning with caution that the accusations made against her and her colleagues “are bereft of evidence and are merely grounded on speculations.”
“To clarify and put an end to this issue, I am willing to submit myself and to cooperate with the designated authorities conducting the investigation on this matter,” Tan said.
“As a public official, and a responsible citizen, it is my duty to be transparent and to be accountable to my constituents, especially on matters involving public interests,” she added.
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