'Plunder raps just political propaganda'

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager Mark Lapid dismissed as political propaganda the plunder charges filed against him and his father, Sen. Lito Lapid, by Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio.

Lapid said the complaint, which Panlilio filed before the Office of the Ombudsman the other day, was just a “rehash” of earlier charges that were eventually junked.

“We have not seen nor received (a copy) of the complaint yet, but we surmise that this is again a rehash and a ploy of the Lapids’ political opponents,” he said in a statement.

Panlilio said the Lapids have to account for P568 million in lahar quarry funds “missing” during their terms as Pampanga governor.

Panlilio also named former provincial administrator Fidel Arcenas and former provincial treasurers Jovito Sabado and Vergel Yabut as respondents.  

Lapid said a similar case was filed against him but was dismissed by both the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan.

He said Vice Gov. Yeng Guiao filed a case against him, too, and this is now pending before the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Election is barely a year away and we expect more attempts to discredit the Lapids to go in high gear in the following months, especially so because Sen. (Lito) Lapid has signified his intention to run for governor of Pampanga,” he added.

He said he and his father are ready to answer the complaint against them as soon as they officially receive a copy of it.