10 Metro congressmen deny getting agri funds

Ten Metro Manila congressmen denied yesterday allegations by a defeated senatorial candidate that they benefited from the controversial P1-billion agricultural funds.

The 10 congressmen are Cynthia Villar (Las Piñas), House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales (Mandaluyong City), Del de Guzman (Marikina), Ernesto Nieva (5th district, Manila), Jaime Lopez (2nd district, Manila), Nanette Castelo-Daza (4th district, Quezon City), Consuelo Dy (Pasay City), Allan Peter Cayetano (Pateros), Teodoro Locsin Jr. (1st district, Makati), and Rozzano Rufino Biazon (Muntinlupa).

They denounced malicious accusations that they had reportedly received P3 million to ensure their continued support for President Arroyo’s presidential bid.

The alleged release of funds by the Department of Agriculture to legislators and local officials last Feb. 9 was the subject of a plunder case filed by former Solicitor General Frank Chavez against Mrs. Arroyo and other top government officials.

"Where are the so-called agricultural funds? I have never received any such funding from the government. Attorney Chavez must have been misled by his source," Villar said in a statement.