Red Cross: Trillanes’ allegations vs Gordon based on ‘false, old facts’

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Antonio Trillanes’ accusation that Sen. Richard Gordon misused funds of the Philippine Red Cross was based on “misleading and outdated facts,” the humanitarian organization said Thursday.

In a statement, Red Cross Secretary General Oscar Palabyab said the issues that Trillanes is hurling at the organization are now being “sensationalized to the prejudice of the PRC.” He added that these have already been investigated and settled before. 

“We can show without fear of contradiction that the PRC remains a trustworthy and dependable humanitarian organization that is committed to save lives and help the most vulnerable and come out clean in the end,” Palabyab said.

Responding to Trillanes’ allegation that Gordon misused his Priority Development Assistance Fund, Palabyab said that the Red Cross chairman had no participation in the implementation of the projects and the disbursement of the funds.

“On the alleged misuse of PDAF funds, these refer to projects that the PRC undertook as an implementing agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the past,” Palabyab noted.

He added that liquidation reports had been submitted to the DSWD and provided answers and explanations in the course of the liquidation process.

In his complaint, Trillanes alleged that P200 million worth of Red Cross funds were misused since Gordon assumed chairmanship of the organization in 2004.

Of this amount, P193 million came from Gordon’s pork barrel, which he allocated to the organization from 2004 to 2011 during his term as senator, Trillanes said.

He added that Gordon’s PDAF allocations were coursed through DSWD. The department and Gordon’s office then entered into a memorandum of agreement with Red Cross.

Trillanes sued Gordon, as well as former Red Cross Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, before the Office of the Ombudsman for committing plunder, graft, malversation of public funds and violating the Code Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, the Government Procurement Reform Act and Article VI, Section 14 of the Constitution.

He said the anti-graft body must also investigate Gordon for the administrative offenses of grave misconduct and culpable violation of the Constitution.

READ: Gordon faces plunder raps over Red Cross funds

Red Cross backs Gordon

While serving as a senator, Gordon concurrently heads the Philippine Red Cross as its chairman.

Palabyab said that the organization is confident that Gordon could defend himself and clear his name.

“As the chairman of the of the PRC, Sen. Gordon has transformed the organization into a robust, modernized, well-equipped and foremost humanitarian organization in the country proud of the accomplishments of its volunteers and staff,” he said.

Palabyab added: “Now that a case has been filed, we will let the wheels of justice take its own course while the PRC will continue undeterred with our mission as a humanitarian organization committed to save lives, help the most vulnerable and restore their dignity.”