During the meeting, Enrile said, Villar expressed his request “for my help because he was concerned about the investigation.”
“He asserted that he had done nothing wrong and that Senator [Jamby] Madrigal's charges had no basis,” he said.
“I explained to him that since the complaint of Senator Madrigal has been referred to the Committee of the Whole and that the Supreme Court had not issued the temporary restraining order they sought, the hearing must proceed,” he further said.
Enrile said he then “very clearly” and “repeatedly advised” Villar to participate in the proceedings so he could present his case.
“Several times during that meeting, Senator Villar interjected: “Manong, baka naman may maitutulong ako sa inyo. Makakatulong naman ako kung may kailangan kayo [Manong, there might be something I can do to help you. I can help if there’s anything that you need],” Enrile said, recalling their conversation during the meeting.
“I chose to ignore these statements, feeling very uncomfortable. But I told him, Manny, gusto kitang tulungan [I want to help you]. What I can promise you is that I will be fair to you. I will not allow the hearings to go beyond the issues referred to the committee nor for it to be turned into a fishing expedition,” the Senate leader said.
When he repeated his offer, Enrile said he told Villar, “Manny, if I help you, don't worry walang kapalit yun [I ask for nothing in return].”
Enrile sponsored the Committee of the Whole report censuring Villar for allegedly making sure that his real estate company benefit from the right-of-way deals in the C-5 road project. The report has been signed by 12 senators, including Enrile.
via Villar tried to buy me off – Enrile – INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos.
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