Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 10) — The alleged middleman named in a multi-billion-peso shabu shipment should reveal the extent of his involvement in the smuggling of the drugs, Senator Risa Hontiveros said Thursday.
Hontiveros acknowledged that she, along with several other senators, personally knew Kenneth Dong as a “legitimate businessman.”
“Nagulat talaga ako — nagulat kaming lahat (nang) nabanggit ang pangalan niya,” Hontiveros told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
“Kaya ang expectation ko sa kanya ay… sa susunod na hearing, dapat siyang magbigay ng mga makatotohanan, walang pagsisinungaling na sagot sa mga seryosong akusasyon sa kanya,” said Hontiveros, who is a member of the senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
[Translation: I was surprised — we were all surprised (when) his name was mentioned. My expectation is… in the next hearing, he should give truthful answers to the serious accusations against him.]
The committee is investigating alleged incompetence and corruption in the Bureau of Customs, which failed to clamp down on the 604-kilo shabu shipment from China worth ₱6.4 billion that entered the country on May 24.
Dong was tagged in the senate hearing Wednesday as having received the original packing list of the illegal drugs. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported inconsistencies in their accounts of the packing list.
Related: Senate cites Chinese nationals in contempt during ₱6B illegal drugs probe
The senate committee resumes its hearing on the issue on August 15.
Senators linked to alleged middleman
Hontiveros said that she along with senators Migz Zubiri, Kiko Pangilinan, and Ralph Recto were invited to be principal sponsors in Dong’s wedding in 2013.
Dong, who she met in 2012, contributed to her senatorial campaign, and they worked together on disaster relief operations for Typhoon Yolanda, Hontiveros added.
The allegation that Dong was a middleman belied her personal knowledge of him, said the senator, adding she would not let any issues taint her track record.
“Ang pinakamalakas na puwede kong tindigan ‘yung personal integrity ko at track record ko ng serbisyo… That is something I would never, never give up,” said Hontiveros.
[Translation: The most that I can bank on is my personal integrity and track record of service.]
Senator Zubiri said in a statement on Wednesday that he considered Dong a friend and last saw him in December 2016.
He added he “[does] not know what his dealings and businesses are except for his ownership of Asuki,” referring to Dong’s company Asuki Weighing System, Inc.
“Should there be any evidence of Mr. Dong’s involvement in the said illegal drug trade, he should be brought to the bar of justice. If anyone breaks the law then, without fear or favor, friend or not, the law must be implemented and, if found guilty, should be arrested,” Zubiri said.
Pangilinan also denied any personal interaction with Dong.
“My conscience is clear. I barely know Mr. Dong. I don’t mind inhibiting myself from the Senate probe,” Pangilinan said in a text message.
Recto also said in a text message that he met Dong in 2010, and although he was invited to the wedding, he did was unable to attend.
“The senate hearing gives him an opportunity to explain his role. My advice is just to tell the truth,” said Recto.
Pangilinan and Recto are also members of the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Senator Joel Villanueva also said he had received a campaign contribution from Dong, whom he met in 2011, but “since then [has] never had a substantial meeting or interaction with [him].”
