LLDA chief says perjury raps vs. him, ma 'politically motivated'

MANILA, Philippines - Laguna Lake Development Authority general manager Nereus Acosta on Monday said the Sandiganbayan's warrant of arrest against him and his mother over perjury charges is "politically motivated."

Acosta, however, said he will abide with the judicial process and explore all legal remedies.

"It is with disbelief that a perjury case was filed against me even if the complainant has already desisted. I can only surmise that the warrant of arrest issued in relation to this case is political harassment and is motivated by vested interests.

"That being said, let me reiterate that the rule of law must prevail and no one, especially a member of President Aquino’s official family, is above the law. I intend to follow the Sandiganbayan and any court of the land.  Let the law take its proper course and I intend to exhaust all legal means  to put this matter to rest, " Acosta said in a statement.

Acosta, also concurrent Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection, said the perjury case before the anti-graft court is a "systematic demolition job" against him and his family.

"During the past several years, my family and I have been subjected to an array of attacks not just legally but in media as well. The relentless and systematic acts of demolition against my person and my family can only be attributed to concerted  and well- funded machinations of  powerful individuals and groups that  have been discomforted, to say the least, by my advocacies and programs to protect the environment," Acosta added.

The case stemmed from the alleged falsification of the Acostas of their counter-affidavits submitted in connection to a graft complaint filed against them.

The Acostas said the sworn document that the town council of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon province supported the disbursement of P5.5 million to the Acostas’ foundation.

The Acostas are being litigated for the release of P5.5 million that came from Acosta’s priority development assistance fund when he was still a congressman for the use of Bukidnon Vegetable Producers Cooperative.

Acosta’s relatives are the incorporators and directors of the cooperative. - Dennis Carcamo