Clark chief denies corruption rap after Duterte threat

The head of an economic zone here in Pampanga on Thursday denied corruption allegations, following President Duterte’s threat to fire an official over the same accusations on Wednesday.

Noel Manankil, president and chief executive of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), strongly denied any involvement in an alleged corruption with Clark locators.

"I have served in low-key positions at the CDC for 21 years, the latest as vice president for administration and finance. During those two decades of service, I have never been involved in anything illegal in Clark," he said in a statement.

Manankil nevertheless took a leave of absence effective Thursday to give way to an impartial investigation.

In a speech in Pampanga, Duterte on Wednesday said he will soon fire a government official if corruption accusations were proven.

“I’m about to fire somebody from here. Kung totoo na humingi siya ng pera, in a few days, I’ll fire him,” he said.

In a separate speech at the Manila Hotel, Duterte confirmed the official was from Clark, Pampanga. 

He added that the official allegedly solicited at least P2 million for every contract being struck with locators in the free port zone.

CDC is a government agency that manages the Clark Freeport and Clark Special Economic Zone.