Hontiveros unfazed by VACC wiretapping raps

FILE PHOTO: Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday said she will not be distracted by the wiretapping raps filed against her by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) for exposing an exchange of text messages between Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and a former congressman.
(PNA Photo)

MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday said she will not be distracted by the wiretapping raps filed against her by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) for exposing an exchange of text messages between Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and a former congressman.

“Hindi ito dapat pag-aksayahan ng panahon at pansin ng mamamayan (Our citizens should not waste time or take notice of these cases). We will not be distracted,” Hontiveros said in a press statement.

The VACC, led by former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras filed a criminal complaint against Hontiveros before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday.

This complaint stemmed from the digital photo acquired by Hontiveros’ office showing Aguirre texting Paras to expedite the filing of cases against her. The photo was taken during a Senate probe into the slaying of Kian Delos Santos last September 5.

Hontiveros described the raps as “desperate attempt to deflect public attention away from their text conversation” which caught them red-handed plotting against her.

“This confirms the conspiracy hatched by Secretary Aguirre and his VACC to ‘expedite’ the filing of cases against me. It also confirms that the “Cong. Jing” whom Secretary Aguirre was texting was former Representative Jacinto Paras,” the senator said.

The senator, meanwhile, called for Aguirre’s resignation anew noting that he had violated the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.