ANTONIO “Tonyboy” R. FLOIRENDO JR. of Davao del Norte’s Second Congressional District said that the hasty filing of graft charges against him before the Sandiganbayan and the subsequent issuance of the warrant of arrest in connection with the Bucor-Tadeco deal is a clear sign of the existence of abuse of power and arrogance on the part of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.
Floirendo , who is member of the House Committees on Justice and on Mindanao Affairs, made this remark in an official statement he made upon learning of the issuance of arrest warrant on the Sandiganbayan case.
“The hasty filing of graft charges against me before the Sandiganbayan and the subsequent issuance of the warrant of arrest in connection with the Bucor-Tadeco deal is a clear sign of the existence of abuse of power and arrogance on the part of the Speaker,” the statement indicated.
“ While I welcome the hastily filed complaint, I would like to point out that this transgression on the part of the Speaker is not only political but a veiled attempt at grabbing the deal for his business and personal interest,” Floirendo declared, saying that “all things considered, the filing of the case will reveal that the more than three-decade old Bucor-Tadeco deal, which benefits thousands of inmates and their families and has provided livelihood to thousands of residents and workers, is valid and legal.”
Ready to face case
“ This does not come as a surprise because no less than the Speaker of the House of Representatives had made this public even before the warrant was issued,” he said, adding “I am ready to face this case as this will give the opportunity to clear my name. “
“My only hope is for the Speaker to insulate the courts from his established brand of maneuvering and undue influence,” Floirendo said.
Despite such setback, he said “I maintain my faith in our justice system because I have not done anything wrong.”
Rep. Floirendo said “In the end, I am confident that I will prevail because the truth is on my side.”
