Magsaysays say they’re not associates of Subic ‘shabu’ suspect
Former Zambales Gov. Vicente Magsaysay on Monday denied allegations that he or his son, Jesus Vicente, and his son’s wife, Rep. Milagros Magsaysay, are business associates of Anthony Ang, a suspect in the recent illegal drugs smuggling at the Subic Bay Freeport.
Agents of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group and Task Force Subic recovered more than 700 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) worth P4 billion on May 27 and 28 and June 7 from Ang’s car, inside a rented van in his company’s warehouse in the freeport and boxes floating on Subic Bay.
“We have nothing to do with his shabu smuggling. It’s [a] politically motivated issue,” Magsaysay said in a telephone interview.
Asked who were linking him and his relatives to Ang’s alleged illegal activity, Magsaysay said: “I have been a governor for 29 years and for sure, I have political detractors and enemies. They’re hyping the issue.”
The supposed connection of the Magsaysays with Ang has been traced to Ding Ho, a restaurant that used to operate inside the freeport.
Ang owned and operated this restaurant from 2003 until January 2008 when he sold it to Jesus Vicente Magsaysay, according to an official of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Jesus Vicente, more known as JV, used to be a director of the SBMA board. He ran but lost to Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso in the May 2007 elections.
“Mitos (Representative Magsaysay) has mentioned to other congresswomen that she bought the restaurant for her election campaign,” said the SBMA official.
The official did not want to be named to avoid straining professional ties with Jesus Vicente’s son, Jobo, who is a director in the SBMA board.
Former Governor Magsaysay, who ran for senator under the administration ticket but lost in last year’s elections, said it was not true that his son and daughter-in-law bought Ding Ho.
He spoke on their behalf because Jesus Vicente is in Papua New Guinea for a business trip while Representative Magsaysay is in Europe for a conference.
“It went bankrupt that was why it closed,” he said of Ding Ho. It used to occupy a space near the freeport’s row of duty free shops.
“Ang is known around as a locator. He’s a good cook. Those who went out for authentic Chinese cuisine went to his place. That’s where I brought my guests. We frequented the place because the place is known to serve good food. He was never a business associate of mine or my family. I always pay for my meals there,” he said.
An SBMA source also said it was Jesus Vicente Magsaysay who endorsed Ang to former SBMA Chair Felicito Payumo when Ang registered his firm, the Hua Long International Inc., in October 2003. Hua Long is registered at the SBMA as a company engaged in the transshipment of cigarettes and liquor from China.
Payumo said Ang applied for and was given a permit to operate because he had no violations nor was he linked to any irregularities at that time.
Payumo challenged the SBMA leadership to identify the SBMA accounts officer assigned to handle the transactions of Ang and his company. By Tonette Orejas - Inquirer Central Luzon Desk
Agents of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group and Task Force Subic recovered more than 700 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) worth P4 billion on May 27 and 28 and June 7 from Ang’s car, inside a rented van in his company’s warehouse in the freeport and boxes floating on Subic Bay.
“We have nothing to do with his shabu smuggling. It’s [a] politically motivated issue,” Magsaysay said in a telephone interview.
Asked who were linking him and his relatives to Ang’s alleged illegal activity, Magsaysay said: “I have been a governor for 29 years and for sure, I have political detractors and enemies. They’re hyping the issue.”
The supposed connection of the Magsaysays with Ang has been traced to Ding Ho, a restaurant that used to operate inside the freeport.
Ang owned and operated this restaurant from 2003 until January 2008 when he sold it to Jesus Vicente Magsaysay, according to an official of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Jesus Vicente, more known as JV, used to be a director of the SBMA board. He ran but lost to Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso in the May 2007 elections.
“Mitos (Representative Magsaysay) has mentioned to other congresswomen that she bought the restaurant for her election campaign,” said the SBMA official.
The official did not want to be named to avoid straining professional ties with Jesus Vicente’s son, Jobo, who is a director in the SBMA board.
Former Governor Magsaysay, who ran for senator under the administration ticket but lost in last year’s elections, said it was not true that his son and daughter-in-law bought Ding Ho.
He spoke on their behalf because Jesus Vicente is in Papua New Guinea for a business trip while Representative Magsaysay is in Europe for a conference.
“It went bankrupt that was why it closed,” he said of Ding Ho. It used to occupy a space near the freeport’s row of duty free shops.
“Ang is known around as a locator. He’s a good cook. Those who went out for authentic Chinese cuisine went to his place. That’s where I brought my guests. We frequented the place because the place is known to serve good food. He was never a business associate of mine or my family. I always pay for my meals there,” he said.
An SBMA source also said it was Jesus Vicente Magsaysay who endorsed Ang to former SBMA Chair Felicito Payumo when Ang registered his firm, the Hua Long International Inc., in October 2003. Hua Long is registered at the SBMA as a company engaged in the transshipment of cigarettes and liquor from China.
Payumo said Ang applied for and was given a permit to operate because he had no violations nor was he linked to any irregularities at that time.
Payumo challenged the SBMA leadership to identify the SBMA accounts officer assigned to handle the transactions of Ang and his company. By Tonette Orejas - Inquirer Central Luzon Desk
Labels: magsaysay, news, olongapo, pasg, pdea, sbma, shabu, subic
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