MANILA - Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. denied he released some P24.25 million to a non-government organization named Masaganang Ani Para Sa Magsasaka Foundation, Inc. (MAMFI) for supposed livelihood projects in Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental.
In a statement, Marcos expressed shock and disbelief over the allegations, which he said were based solely on the affidavit of Marina Sula, one of the pork barrel scam whistleblowers.
The latter claimed the P24.25 million deal is the only transaction reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue in 2011 by the NGO.
Marcos said there is no document or record pertaining to any transaction or endorsement from his office involving MAMFI for any period, including 2011.
He said there is also no document or record pertaining to a PDAF release in the amount of P24.25 million to the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental.
Based on the website of no less than the Department of Budget and Management, he said the only project funded through Marcos' Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in the Davao area in 2011 was the construction and improvement of a drainage canal in barangay Rafael Castillo, Agdao, Davao City.
Around P300,000 was allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the project, he said.
Marcos also explained that the alleged conduit, one Catherine Mae Maya Santos, was a mere consultant in his office on detail from the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering and the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Cooperatives from January to December 2012 and January 2013 to June 2013.
Marcos maintained he is not involved in any misuse of pork barrel funds, reiterating his call for its complete abolition.