I’m innocent, Pangasinan exec in drug matrix insists

BY Eva Visperas

   

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan named in the drug matrix of President Duterte has reiterated his innocence.

In a privilege speech Monday, second district board member Raul Sison said he appeared before the body “with a lonely mind and a lonely heart.”

“It is so difficult to disprove what does not exist. I have no connection in that drug matrix. With all honesty and humility, I reiterate to you all I am innocent,” he said.

He said he was supposed to be on vacation in the United States from Aug. 18 to Sept. 12, but decided to come home to clear his name.

Aside from Sison, the matrix named Sen. Leila de Lima who served as justice secretary, Pangasinan fifth district Rep. Amado Espino Jr., former justice undersecretary Francisco Baraan who had supervision over the Bureau of Corrections, his brother Raffy who was Espino’s provincial administrator and former Bucor chief Franklin Bucayu. It also tagged De Lima’s former driver Ronnie Palisoc Dayan.

“What I and my family are going through is so difficult,” Sison said, his voice breaking.

He said he is worried about the safety of his family.

Sison said he is hoping that the truth will prevail even as he expressed willingness to cooperate in the investigation. 

He thanked his fellow board members for passing resolutions “expressing full faith, trust and confidence in the integrity” of Pangasinan officials named in the matrix.

He said the Office of the President received the resolutions on Aug. 31.