Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — He is not behind the rumored ouster plot against fellow Duterte ally, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.
That’s what Davao del Norte 2nd District Representative Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo Jr. said in a statement on Wednesday, in response to rumors tagging him in a supposed plot to unseat Alvarez, and replace him with Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“I never attempted to talk to Arroyo nor would I ever support any plot to oust Speaker Alvarez… If ever there is an iota of truth to the ouster plot, I am 100% not a part of it,” he said.
Floirendo — the biggest donor to the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte — said he has tried reaching out to Alvarez, but the House Speaker refused to talk to him.
He also clarified there is no rift between them.
“If ever there is a conflict, it could be likened to a brotherly misunderstanding, which I am sure would be patched up in no time at all,” Floirendo said.
Floirendo hurt over graft raps
Floirendo admitted feeling hurt by the graft charges filed against him by Alvarez, whom he considers a good friend.
Alvarez filed the criminal complaint before the Ombudsman last March 13 for Floirendo’s alleged unlawful business interest in a government deal.
Floirendo believes politics is behind the action of the House Speaker.
“That’s politics. What is important is that I know deep down my conscience that I have not done anything wrong nor have I committed any criminal act,” he said.
The representative welcomes the complaint and said he is ready to face the charges with a clear conscience.
Alvarez’s complaint stemmed from a joint venture agreement between Tagum Agricultural Development Company or (TADECO) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), which was renewed for another 25 years in 2003.
The agreement allows TADECO to lease more than 5,000 hectare of land from BuCor.
Alvarez stated that based on documents, TADECO is wholly owned by Floirendo and his family. Alvarez claimed Floirendo never divested his shares of stock in TADECO and Anflo Managemenent and Investment Corporation (ANFLOCOR), when the companies entered into an agreement with the government in 2003.
Floirendo was an incumbent congressman when the agreement was inked.
Alvarez noted that under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, directly or indirectly having financing or pecuniary interest in any business, contract, or transaction, where he intervenes or takes part in his official capacity is prohibited by the Constitution.
Alvarez also said that the Constitution bars senators or congressmen from having direct or indirect business interest in any contract granted by the Government during their terms of office.
CNN Philippines correspondent Joyce Ilas and Davao-based stringer Ben Tesiorna contributed to this report.
