Samar lawmakers deny ordering P1-million fake bills

MANILA, Philippines - One of five congressmen representing Samar province, who was invited by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for questioning, denied yesterday that he was behind the manufacture of fake P1,000 and P500 bills.

“The NBI has called me and invited me to shed light on this matter. I’m willing to face anyone, I’m not hiding anything,” lone Eastern Samar Rep. Teodolo Coquilla, who wanted to clear his name, said.

Two of the suspects, Armando Tiauson and Fulgencio Panado, have been arrested by the NBI. Tiauson told probers they were taking orders from a Samar congressman, who intends to manufacture a total of P100 million in fake bills to be used in the May 2010 elections.

Another lawmaker, Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza, also denied any involvement in the syndicate. He urged the NBI to “name names” so as not to unduly drag the names of those who are not involved in the crime.

“It’s a serious offense, although the suspects have yet to name the lawmaker who allegedly ordered (fake money) from them… Samar is a big province so it would be best if the NBI would name the legislator the suspects are referring to. It’s unfair for us (Samar lawmakers) because there are five of us,” he said.

Apart from Coquilla and Daza, other Samar congressmen include Northern Samar Rep. Emil Ong, and Western Samar Reps. Samar Sharree Ann Tan and Reynaldo Uy.

In a text message to reporters, a concerned opposition legislator, Deputy Minority Leader Roilo Golez, urged the NBI to disclose the name of the lawmaker who allegedly ordered the manufacturing of the fake bills.

“In fairness to all Samar congressmen and the whole House, the NBI should make a full categorical report naming names, complete with documentary and testimonial evidence,” the Parañaque congressman said. “The House should (also) investigate this very serious accusation.”

Following the NBI’s arrest of the two suspects, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas disclosed that the counterfeiting was done in stages and the two suspects were involved in putting the security thread on the bills.