Rep. Tan on alleged corruption: My conscience is clear

QUEZON - Quezon 4th District Representative Angelina "Helen" Tan on Tuesday denied she is involved in corrupt activities after President Rodrigo Duterte included her name in the list of House members who have been linked to alleged corruption related to infrastructure projects.

"My conscience is clear. I merely performed what my constituents expect of me and to bring into completion this project. In fact, just like them, I too am a victim for hoping that this project would be delivered without delay and within the timeframe that was promised. If there is someone that should be a subject of investigation it is the agency mandated to carry out the full implementation of the project," she said in a statement.

Tan was referring to the Gumaca Diversion Road in Gumaca, Quezon which is still being constructed. During the recent typhoons, parts of the road gave way as seen in this photo shared by the Gumaca local government unit.

Parts of the Gumaca Diversion Road which is still under construction gave way during the recent typhoons.  Photo courtesy: Gumaca LGU

According to her, the said infrastructure project was meant to lessen the travel time of motorists in Gumaca town, decongest heavy traffic in the area, stimulate local economic growth, and encourage investment.

Although the road has not yet been paved, a section of it is already being used by motorists as an alternative route to avoid heavy traffic in Gumaca, she said.

"I had been diligent in ensuring that the project—from its conception to the release of funds—went through its proper course, making sure that the project will directly benefit my constituents and the neighboring provinces. And as proof, even the DPWH cited the said project in their official website as part of the agency’s deliverables," Tan said in a separate statement.

"Had there been issues regarding its construction and implementation, it should be DPWH’s responsibility being the sole agency mandated to conduct all construction operations of public infrastructure of the state," she added.

'Nakakagulat'

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Tan said she woke up to the surprising news on Tuesday morning.

“Nakakagulat na sa paggising ko ay mabasa ang balita na binanggit ng Pangulo ang pangalan ko na isa sa Kongresista na may allegation ng Korupsyon," she wrote.

"Eto ang sinabi nya 'Cong. Helen Tan - anomalous national road project in Quezon Province, a newly-constructed road that has not been open for public use was already broken at the onset of storm. It looks like beyond repair.' His basis is the report given by PACC," Tan said.

The lawmaker said her role in the Gumaca Bypass Road project is to have a feasibility study done so funds can be allocated for it, and to ensure there will be enough funds until the project is finished.

The road, though not yet completely paved yet, has already been opened for motorists, she said.

On Duterte saying the road was already 'broken' and 'looks like beyond repair', Tan said she herself went personally to the area to inspect the road condition after the recent typhoons passed.

"Ako mismo ay nagtungo ng personal duon at humingi ng paliwanag sa DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways]. Ang paliwanag nila dahil sa sunod sunod na bagyo ay bumaba ang base na lupa dahil ang portion na ito ay mataas. Acts of nature. At dahil nasa loob ng warranty ng contractor ay inayos nila," Tan said.

"Nakakagulat bakit ako ang sisisihin sa pagkasira neto samantalang hindi naman ako implementing agency kundi DPWH. Bakit pilit ako idinadawit?" she added.

Tan said it is sad that an anonymous letter sent to the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) was used to include her name in the list of alleged corrupt lawmakers.

"Nakakalungkot na ang isang sulat na anonymous sa PACC tungkol dito ay gamitin para ipahiya lamang ako at sirain ang pangalan ko. Sino naman itong sumulat na ito sa PACC at bakit ang PACC ay basta na lang nagreport sa Presidente without validating and investigating it?" she added.

Dares PACC

Tan said the inclusion of her name in the PACC report even without evidence is not only "malicious but also prejudicial."

The lawmaker also expressed willingness to submit herself and cooperate with authorities conducting investigation on this matter.

"As a public official, and a responsible citizen, it is my duty to be transparent and to be accountable to my constituents, especially on matters involving public interests," she said.

Tan then dared the PACC to come visit Gumaca.

"Now I challenge the PACC Chair Mr. Greco Belgica to come to Gumaca and visit the project, if they are serious on their campaign against corruption. Wag mag base sa sulat ng isang anonymous at tanungin ay ang DPWH hindi ako. Common sense naman po sana," she said.

Tan said there has been a series of demolition projects against her and her husband lately.

"Sunod sunod ang operation demolition sa aming mag asawa simula pa noong mga nakaraang buwan, at most likely ito ay isa na naman sa political operation ng kalaban," she said.

Tan said she will leave it all up to God and she will continue serving her constituents.

"Hindi po kami matitinag sa kung anuman na mga gagawin pa sa amin. We are a God-fearing person, hindi po kami gagawa ng ikakasira ng pagkatao namin. Alam ko maitatama ko ang report na ito, I am comfident on that. So I will lift everything to God," she added. —Peewee Bacuño and Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News