By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — Janno Orate, Chairman of Quezon City Against Corruption (QCAC), on Friday (Oct. 10) said that the flood control scandal is becoming a fake news.
In a press conference in Kamuning Bakery Cafe, Orate said that the QCAC kept silent for a while about the controversial flood control projects in the city.
“We are fighting for the people of QC. We are fighting against corruption,” Orate said.
He cited the news about 5th District Rep. PM Vargas was allegedly involved in the anomalous flood control projects in Quezon City.
Orate challenged Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to consider the past Duterte administration and not only this time.
He also asked the ICC to be transparent in their investigation into the anomalous flood control projects.
“If they really had stolen public money, they deserve to be jailed,” Orate said.
“However, if we will judge them now, it’s not fitting and proper,” he added.
Orate urged Sen. Marcoleta to investigate not only the period of 2022-2025.
He stressed that Rep. Arjo Atayde is a subject of a demolition.
“However, if it will be proven that he (Atayde) has pocketed public money, then we will pursue the charges against him,” Orate said.
The QCAC has been fighting against corruption for more than a decade, or 12 years already.
“In fairness to Mayor Joy Belmonte, and on matters that she disclosed, we are just waiting for the result of the investigation,” Orate said.
“I trust Mayor Joy Belmonte. I believe in Mayor Belmonte. She is a good mayor,” he added.
Orate added that they are 60% complete with their investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects in Quezon City.
The QCAC is forming a rally on Nov. 30 dubbed as “Isang Atake para sa Kawatan sa QC” and they are inviting performers for the said rally.
“We are not inutile. We are doing something and not just holding presscon for nothing,” Orate said.
He added that employees from big departments, but not only from Quezon City, approached them and provided important information as to allegations of corruption.
Orate stressed that they are still checking on the allegations of corruption in District 1 of Quezon City and they are respecting the investigation of the ICI.
However, Orate does not know whether Mayor Belmonte only mentioned about Rep. Atayde during an interview.
He assured that they will pursue charges against Reps. Atayde, Co-Pilar, Marvin Rillo, PM Vargas, or Tulfo, who were named by contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and if pieces of evidence so warrant and that they wil not resort to cover up.
As an NGO, Orate said, there are sources or people who are providing them information.
“The fake news is that there is no ghost project in District 5 (QC). The DPWH is saying the same,” Orate said.
He added that the QCAC is fully behind the investigation being conducted by the Quezon City government.
The QCAC has already charged policemen in the past.
Orate said that they still lack information about the Nov. 30 rally.
They are planning the concert rally in Quezon City Circle and hoping that Mayor Belmonte will allow them to do it there.
Orate assured that it will be a peaceful rally and it will have no political color. ###
