No cent went to Napoles from Loren’s PDAF

I categorically deny, in the strongest terms, allegations that I had any dealings with Janet Lim Napoles or with any member of her group. I have never dealt with them and have never even heard of their foundations. Above all, I have never received monetary or any form of illegal benefit from my Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or its equivalent at any time. I have never authorized anyone in my staff or outside of my office to transact with anyone.

I have judiciously allocated my PDAF to accredited government agencies and local government units as prescribed by law. I allocated my PDAF to the construction of 300 classrooms,worth P150 million, financial assistance to indigents during disasters through Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Museum’s Hibla and Baybayin galleries, medical assistance in the Philippine General Hospital and other government hospitals, scholarships in state universities and colleges, livelihood assistance to schools of living traditions of indigenous peoples, financial assistance to farmers and rural folks, among many other projects.

I never endorsed any nongovernment office just so I could benefit from my PDAF. Any statement to the contrary made an affidavit is a perjured lie and is actionable criminally against those involved in this smear campaign.

—SEN. LOREN LEGARDA