Banayo: I never talked to Mrs. Mancao

MANILA, Philippines – I would like to call your attention to a story on page 6 of the May 19 issue of The Philippine STAR, entitled “Dumlao, Mancao extradition to be further delayed” by-lined by Sandy Araneta, where, I am quoted as saying, thus:

“Lito Banayo, a staunch supporter of Lacson, said in a television interview that Mancao’s real estate business in Florida was not doing well and that government men were always around promising him (Mancao) many things and this could be the reason why Mancao has decided to turn against his former boss.”

This quote is close to reality, and I do recall having said some words to that effect before Strictly Politics, a program hosted by Ms. Pia Hontiveros over ANC, on the evening of Tuesday, November 12, 2009.

The next sentence attributed to me is an absolute lie, if at the very least, a mistake.

“Since December of 2008, Mrs. Mancao has been in constant communication with me through emails and it was Mancao and his wife who were practically asking for help so Cezar can clear his name and tell everything he knows in the double murder case. We did not approach him. It was Mancao who came to me. We expect Mancao to be back right after May 21,” Banayo stressed.

I have never talked to Mrs. Mancao since April of 2006, when I visited Florida upon the invitation of Cezar Mancao. The writer, or the desk should have attributed that statement to whoever else, definitely not me.

I hope you will publish this clarification in the interest of accuracy and fairness. —  Lito Banayo, 7th Floor, Maripola Bldg., Perea St., Legazpi Village, Makati City