Palace: PNoy still trusts TESDA chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III still trusts Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director general Joel Villanueva amid reports that he will be included in the third batch of cases in connection with the pork barrel scam.

"Mas mainam na hintayin natin ang gagawing hakbang o opisyal na pahayag ng DOJ tungkol sa kanilang pagsisisyasat ng mga usapin hinggil sa (Priority Development Assistance Fund)," Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing on Monday.

Another newspaper reported today that Villanueva will be charged with technical malversation, a bailable offense lighter than plunder.

Villanueva has been tagged as among the three Aquino allies who allegedly dealt with suspected pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles, along with Budget and Agriculture Secretaries Florencio Abad and Proceso Alcala.

The three Cabinet officials were former lawmakers before joining the Aquino administration.

Asked if Villanueva should resign, Coloma said "it would be inappropriate to comment at this time as this would be purely speculative."