Gordon sees politics behind 'old, rehashed' ouster move

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today said he is convinced that the resurrection of the old rehashed issue to oust him from the Senate is politically motivated and aimed at discrediting him and tainting his good reputation.

Gordon said he sees no other reason behind the recent attacks hurled against him, the latest of which imputes malice to the dual positions he holds as duly-elected senator and chairman and chief executive officer of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

"This is obviously a politically motivated and desperate move to discredit me. I shall remain undeterred by devious individuals who have nothing worthwhile to do but poison the people with grossly wrong information so that they can peddle their lies," he said.

Gordon said he is outraged at the disinformation campaign created by the alleged "missing" petition wrongly reported to have been lodged at the Senate ethics committee by former Quezon City Rep.. Dante Liban on Nov. 24, 2006.

Liban was expelled as chairman of the PNRC-Quezon City Chapter in a unanimous vote upheld by the Court of Appeals. He was charged for robbery and estafa for his failure to account for P10 million of PNRC funds.

In dismissing it as a non-issue, he maintained that the petition to declare him as having forfeited his Senate seat when he accepted the PNRC chairmanship in 2004 has been pending before the Supreme Court.

"It was merely procedural that a copy of the petition was furnished to my office and the Office of then Senate President (Manuel) Villar. But the fact of the matter is that there is no formal complaint ever lodged before the Senate ethics committee," he said.

As far as the issue of his chairmanship of the PNRC is concerned, Gordon said he does not want to further comment so as not to unduly prejudice the merits of the pending case but will continue to help needy people whoever, whenever and wherever they are.

"The Red Cross is a non-profit, voluntary humanitarian organization that strictly adheres to the principles of humanity, independence, impartiality, universality, unity, voluntary service, and neutrality in carrying out its mission to alleviate human suffering and save lives," he said.

According to him, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the oldest and largest humanitarian organization in the whole world and is guided by its mission to alleviate human suffering and protect life and dignity.

"These are the guiding fundamental principles Red Cross firmly stand for. With due deference to the petition pending at the High Court, we should refrain ourselves from further commenting until the petition is resolved with finality," he added.

"The PNRC is an independent auxiliary arm of the government, but is not part and parcel of any government units or instrumentality subject to the same benefits and remunerations as well as limitations and restrictions like any other government agency.