PRC defends Gordon from Trillanes’ ‘misleading and outdated facts’

FILE: Sen. Richard Gordon. (Photo: Cesar Tomambo via Senate of the Philippines/ Facebook)

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Thursday cleared Senator Richard Gordon from Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s claims that were based on “misleading and outdated facts.”

Oscard Palayabyab, PRC Secretary General, issued a statement saying that the organization is aware of the “incidents that happened a few years back’” and that “the same issues and allegations were already duly investigated and settled before.”

“Regrettably, the allegations are based on misleading and outdated facts,” the statement read.

On Wednesday, Trillanes filed plunder, graft, malversation of public funds, and violations of Republic Act (RA) 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and Article VI Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution against Gordon. The PRC Chairman is facing these cases for allegedly  misusing his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocated to the humanitarian organization, since 2004 up to present.

(Read: Trillanes files plunder complaint vs Gordon)

PRC claimed that Trillanes’ accusation was referring to the past projects when the organization undertook being an implementing agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – which Gordon had no participation of.

“Proper liquidation reports were submitted to the DSWD as required and provided answers and explanation in the course of the liquidation process,” Palayabyab said.

He stressed that the process of liquidation is a very “tedious” task but the PRC was able to comply even with DSWD’s strict requirements.

Palayabyab said that they can cite more of PRC’s accomplishments that “have been accounted for every centavo spent.” He also said that PRC shall remain trustworthy and dependable that can “come out clean in the end.”

“We are confident too that Senator Gordon can very well defend himself and clear his good name as a long time Red Cross volunteer and humanitarian worker who happens to be a Senator of the Republic, who fearlessly pursues his advocacies for good governance and the public good,” he added.

Palayabyab ended the statement by letting “the wheels of justice take its own course,” since the case was already filed.

As of writing, Gordon has not released any statement.