Paras on Villarin’s theft allegation: Malicious, has political color

MANILA, Philippines — Labor Undersecretary Jacinto “Jing” Paras on Tuesday denied that he had attempted to steal the mobile phone of Rep. Tom Villarin (Akbayan), calling the solon’s accusation “malicious.”

“Tom Villarin’s accusation against me is incredible. I have not stolen his cellphone. This accusation is malicious and has political color,” Paras said in a text message to reporters.

Villarin on Tuesday filed a theft complaint before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office against Paras who allegedly tried to steal his phone, an iPhone X, at the House of Representatives last March 20.

READ: Villarin says Labor Usec Paras tried to steal his phone

Paras said he must have accidentally taken Villarin’s phone when he placed his phone on the table.

“The possibility is, when I placed my phone on the table when I was talking with Villarin, and when I lifted my phone, I must have accidentally lifted his phone also and I proceeded immediately to another hearing at the second floor by the Committee on Mindanao Affairs,” he said.

The former Negros Oriental representative added that when he finished his testimony, he lifted his phone and might have left the phone of Villarin there.

“I have not stolen his phone because I have no intent to gain from taking it if I accidentally lifted it together with my phone,” Paras said.

The incidents of Paras taking Villarin’s phone and leaving it in another room were both recorded by the House’s CCTV camera.

In a briefing Tuesday, Villarin said that he does not know Paras personally but the latter approached him and said, “Kayo pala ni Hontiveros ang magkasama.” Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Villarin are both affiliated with Akbayan.

Paras, a member of the Volunteers against Crime and Corruption, filed obstruction of justice, kidnapping, and abuse and exploitation of minors complaints against Hontiveros for allegedly "harboring" underage witnesses in the killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos.

He also filed anti-wiretapping law complaints against the senator for showing a photo of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II sending a text message to a certain “Cong Jing” during a privilege speech last year.