MRT chief submits affidavit to NBI, denies extortion allegations

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Rail Transit general manager Al Vitangcol III yesterday denied the allegations of extortion against him by a Czech firm in an affidavit submitted before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Sources revealed Vitangcol submitted his sworn statement denying the extortion charges hurled against him by the Inekon Group in connection with the P3.8-billion MRT expansion project.

The source said Vitangcol denied the allegations that he extorted $30 million from Inekon.

The source added Vitangcol also denied joining Inekon officials, Ambassador Josef Rychtar, and two alleged middlemen for dinner in Makati City last July to discuss the project.

“He also denied tapping Mr. Wilson de Vera to seal the (under the table) deal with the Czech firm,” the source said.

“According to Vitangcol, De Vera is among the ambassador’s party. Not his,” the source said.

The NBI tried to subpoena De Vera but learned from the Bureau of Immigration that he is out of the country.