BULACAN Gov. Daniel Fernando has tagged the graft and corruption case filed against him and other provincial officials as "fake news" and "mere allegations without basis in law or in fact."
This was stressed by the governor and Vice Gov. Alex Castro in a press briefing on Friday, May 10, at the Pavilion of Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in Malolos.
"These allegations coming out in messengers, social media and some newspapers are false, twisted half-truths and certainly a misinformation and political demolition campaign," said Fernando.
The complaint was filed by Francisco Balagtas on May 3 before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The governor said the project is not covered by Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
He also said that according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2020-07, private contractors shall cover all expenses of dredging operations in river dredging zones to be identified by a provincial interagency committee.
He clarified that no funding from the government shall be made for the conduct of dredging activities by the private sector and holders of dredging clearance shall provide the financing, technology, management and personnel necessary to implement dredging activities within the exclusive river dredging zone.
Fernando also explained that no bidding took place because there was no procurement made by the provincial government in relation to the said project.
"I swear on my honor, and on behalf of the Provincial Government, and the Bulakenyo citizens that I represent, these allegations are part of the demolition job campaign of my political rivals," he said.
"Let the people know the truth."
Fernando also ordered his legal officers to make sure that whoever is behind the demolition job will be held accountable.
The provincial government has partnered with Torejas' Construction Supply Corp. (TCSC) for a major flood control and river restoration project.
Bernie Pacheco, vice president for mining and dredging of TCSC, said the company has already conducted subsurface soil investigations, geological exploration and geotechnical investigation in the watersheds of Bulacan and the three priority rivers.
He said that about 282.02 million cubic meters of mud, silt and sand with nondegradable wastes are targeted to be removed from the rivers of Angat, Pamarawan, Malolos-Kalero and along the coast of Bulacan or the offshore Delta Bulacan from Obando to Calumpit. The removed mud and sand will be sold to approved land development and reclamation projects along Manila Bay, he added.
Pacheco added that the TCSC already has a dredging permit and exploration clearance issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways in 2020.