NBI probing ‘bribe’ of its Cagayan chief

By George Tamaray

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- The National Bureau of Investigation is currently conducting a probe on one of its directors assigned in Cagayan Valley on allegations of bribery in connection with the Meridien Vista Gaming Corp.

In a memorandum issued by the Department of Justice dated Sept. 9, Acting Department of Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera ordered NBI Director Nestor Mantaring to require NBI Cagayan Valley Regional Office Regional Director Constantino Joson to explain, within 48 hours from receipt of the memo, “the circumstances surrounding the allegations against him, and why he should not be dealt with administratively.”

Devanadera said in her memo, newspapers accounts showed that Joson was named by Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena as one of the two personalities who allegedly gave him money in exchange for his silence on the questionable operations of Meridien Vista Gaming Corp.

Devanadera also told Mantaring her memo is “for strict compliance.”

Earlier reports said Joson has denied bribing Villena, saying the money he gave the influential Catholic cleric was a mere donation to the archdiocese.

Joson said the statement of Villena identifying him as the one who allegedly provided him with a cash gift from the Spanish-owned gaming firm Meridien was probably taken out of context.

Villena, in an earlier statement, also named controversial businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as having given him a cash gift during his birthday in March, supposedly in an attempt to soften his stand against Meridien.

“There couldn’t have been any bribe made since (Meridien) is legal and there was not any favor asked of (Villena). Other donations (were) given to the Church during that event but the bishop returned the ones from Meridien through me,” said Joson, adding that “(Meridien) then decided to donate the money elsewhere.”

“Actually, I believe the bishop had no malice when he made those statements against me but merely made a wrong choice of words. I don’t intend to file any damages against him since he is a family friend,” Joson said.

For his part, Ang, who admitted being a mere consultant for Meridien, said he “had never ever met (the bishop) nor had I ever given him money or favors either personally or through a representative.” – CL