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He’s determined.
“Director general Joel J. Villanueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said he is ‘open’ to joining any political party, including the opposition, in the 2016 national election as a senatorial candidate,” reports Edd K. Usman in Manila Bulletin.
Villanueva remarked that he is “90% sure in his plans to join next year’s Senate race,” but that he is “not thinking yet of the party or slate.”
For now, Villanueva faces a “porky problem.”
It may be recalled that Villanueva was the Citizen’s Battle against Corruption (CIBAC) party-list representative before he was appointed to TESDA in 2010 when Aquino won the presidential race.
The report noted: “Villanueva, who is being praised by President Aquino at every opportunity for his success in managing TESDA, still could not understand why the Department of Justice (DOJ) included him in the third batch of complaints at the Ombudsman arising from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).”
Despite this, Villanueva said that he is “not harboring any grudges” against DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima.
Villanueva stated, “With regard to this complaint in the Ombudsman, I am not mad or angry. But I am really disappointed and taken aback that despite much evidence that I should not be included, (they) forced my inclusion.”
Moreover, Villanueva pointed out that he “has been explaining over and over again that the signatures and documents attributed to him in the PDAF projects were forged.” Villanueva reiterated that “the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) made the same report.”
He said, “So, I really don’t know what is motivating DOJ to file a case with no basis. Somehow, I am relieved that finally I would know what is really in it and that I can finally defend myself.”
Photo: News clip
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