PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - Former Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn denied allegations that he failed to submit truthful Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) from 2004 to 2012.

Hagedorn issued the denial after cases were filed against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor of the Ombudsman at the Sandiganbayan.

Hagedorn is facing 9 counts of graft, 9 counts of perjury and 9 counts of violation of the Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards for Public Employees for allegedly failing to file accurate SALNs from 2004 to 2012.

State prosecutors alleged that Hagedorn did not disclose a total of 59 residential, agricultural, and commercial properties, 45 vehicles, and also failed to disclose his business ventures.

According to Hagedorn, the properties were in his SALN albeit summarized. Holding a copy of his SALN, he clarified that the P102 million worth of properties correspond to the 59 properties.

Regarding the 45 vehicles, during his term, he clarified that he bought several motorcycles to be used as prizes for the Puerto Princesa City government's raffle activity.

Although the motorcycles were purchased in his name, they were eventually distributed to the raffle winners.

Hagedorn also added that in 2002, he distributed his business ventures to his children and grandchildren.

Hagedorn said he will submit the supporting documents to the Sandiganbayan and believes that the case against him will be dismissed.

• READ: Hagedorn indicted over alleged undeclared wealth