CEZA chief Lambino denies accusations of corruption

Cagayan Special Economic Zone (CEZA) administrator and CEO Raul Lambino on Wednesday denied allegations of corruption for "charging extra amount" from government-owned and controlled corporations.

On Dobol B sa News TV, Lambino said he already wrote a response to Ramon Tulfo’s column tagging him as “possibly among the most corrupt Cabinet officials in the administration.”

Atty. Lambino: Willing naman akong sumailalim sa lifestyle check at nakikipag-ugnayan ako sa PACC. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) February 26, 2020

Citing intelligence reports from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Tulfo said Lambino receives an estimated P5 million weekly as his share from gaming operators “through various schemes.”

Ramon Tulfo said reports revealed that Lambino allegedly charges cryptocurrency investment applicants $100,000 for principal license and another $100,000 for application fee each. But only $3,000 is being recorded in the receipt.

“Hindi po totoo ‘yan. Maliwanag na kasinungalingan ‘yan. Ang application and license fee ay 100,000  to 150,000. Lahat po ay properly receipted,” Lambino said.

He also denied claims that companies doing business inside CEZA give 10 percent of their capital stock to CEZA officials before any memorandum of understanding can be signed.

“Ang board ng CEZA hindi na katulad ng dati na ang administrator at CEO ay chair ng board. Ako nga ay hindi member ng board. Lahat ng transactions dito dumadaan sa scrutiny ng board,” he said.

The CEZA chief said no company will engage in such activity given the lack of assurance.

Lambino also denied claims he travels 22 times every year since his appointment as CEZA chief, saying that his trips were properly documented, and only upon the invitation of investment promotions agencies. 

“Ganito ‘yung mga biyahe sa abroad. Lahat kami, lalo na ako, hindi ako makalabas ng bansa kapag walang authority to travel sa Office of the President. Mag-aapply ako niyan,” he said.

According to Lambino, this accusation is the same with the allegation spread to media organizations two years ago.

“Willing akong mag-submit sa lifestyle check o kaya imbestigahan ng Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). Makikipagtulungan naman ako...,” Lambino said.

According to Lambino, he initiated setting a meeting with the PACC on Friday. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News