DA projects go through a 'religious process' - Alcala
MANILA, Philippines - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala on Friday denied allegations that he is involved in multi-billion pork barrel scam.
Alcala said that his implication in the scandal is a product of "stories that are being twisted" since agriculture projects go through a rigorous and transparent procedures.
"Lahat ng mga transaction sa DA lalo na sa paggamit ng funds for certain projects ay religiously dumadaan sa tamang proseso," Alcala said in an interview with state-run Philippine News Agency.
He said that the Department of Budget and Management closely monitors projects through a pre-qualifying team, and that it is not possible for the DA to receive funds from fake non-profit organizations.
Whistleblower Merlita Suñas claimed that the 11 projects to which funds were channeled illegally were linked to Davao Rep. Isidro Ungab.
Ungab, chairman of the House of Representatives' appropriations committee, allegedly funded livelihood projects worth P70 million, which were supposedly facilitated by the DA.
Ungab has denied the allegation.
On Thursday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima cleared Alcala along with Senators Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, Antonio Trillanes IV and Loren Legarda.
De Lima said that the four officials are not covered by the investigation because of ""the absence of any document or proof linking them to the alleged scam."
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