Palace defends Drilon’s presence in South Korea

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang defended yesterday Senate President Franklin Drilon’s joining President Aquino’s two-day trip to South Korea, saying the lawmaker was a proponent for a project funded by Seoul.

“If I’m not mistaken, in 2011, Senator Drilon was one of the main proponents of the Jalaur River multipurpose project which had a counterpart funding from the Korean government,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

She said the project involved the detailed engineering design, construction and operation of three dams in Iloilo – Jalaur Reservoir, Afterbay Dam, and Alibunan Catch Dam.

The dams need upgrading for five existing irrigation systems for year-round irrigation to 31,840 hectares of farmland that would benefit 24,000 farmers in two cities and 23 municipalities in the province, she said.

“We have made good headway in this particular project and as a sign of appreciation, Sen. Drilon became part of the delegation to convey the appreciation for the help extended by the Korean government.”

Valte said the project is not the only one the Korean government has helped the Philippines.

Before he left, Drilon said he would sign the subpoena for alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles to appear before the investigation being conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon committee.

Drilon was under fire for refusing to sign the subpoena and seeking the opinion of the Office of the Ombudsman.