Press Release
September 11, 2021

Statement by Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon

We will not be distracted. We will not let distractions and disinformation prevail.

All I heard is old news - the Napoles issue, Mayor Mabilog and Gen. Garbo.

Who brokered the sale of the old Iloilo airport? It was sold through a public bidding at P1.2 billion set by the Privatization Council then headed by the late Justice Sec. Raul Gonzales in 2007. The government's Privatization Council at that time can very well explain this to the President.

The site of the old airport represents now a booming Iloilo City. It is also where we built the Iloilo Convention Center. In case the President mentions it in the future, the Ombudsman had investigated it and found no corruption.

The only other person who has accused me of corruption is now a fugitive from justice - having been found guilty by the Supreme Court of libel.

I do not have to defend what I did in Iloilo. Mr. President, ask the people of Iloilo.

Former Mayor Jed Mabilog is a distant relative, being a second cousin. I cannot comprehend why the President wanted me to explain my connection with former Mayor Jed Mabilog and Gen. Garbo. But what I can say is, there is not an iota of evidence that will link my name to illegal drugs.

If all these malicious attacks are the price we have to pay for exposing the truth, then be it. We will face them.

News Latest News Feed