Ex-TESDA chief slams Noy, Drilon

MANILA, Philippines - Former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director-general Augusto Syjuco Jr. accused yesterday President Aquino and Senate President Franklin Drilon of persecuting him through malicious prosecution.

In a statement sent to The STAR, Syjuco said the   administration has been pressuring the ombudsman and a Sandiganbayan justice to find “due cause” against him.

“When you fight corruption, as I have, these powerful grafters, including Aquino and Drilon, fight back,” he said.

“When you go against foul players, you get fouled back.”

Syjuco said he had expected the allegedly anomalous prosecution and political persecution.

“No one should be surprised that they have filed four cases against me. Such is the price that I must pay for dedication and patriotism,” he said.

“I stand ready, willing, bravely and able to pay that price.” 

Last Tuesday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales  ordered the filing of another graft case against Syjuco for his alleged involvement in the purportedly anomalous purchase of career guidance books for school children worth P9.25 million in 2008.

Syjuco told The STAR nothing was irregular about the project.

He said the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the amount was issued on Dec. 21, only 10 days before the SARO expired.

Syjuco said they had to resort to an alternative mode of procurement because of time constraints for a public bidding.

He said the filing of cases against him started after he had filed 10 plunder charges against Aquino, Drilon and other government officials.