Office of the Vice President : Press Release

Refer to: Ms. Dale Zapata
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Will continue focus on housing and anti-poverty programs
VP NOLI NOT BOTHERED BY ALLEGED MUSSOMELI REPORT
20 September 2005

“I have never talked extensively, whether about politics or otherwise, with Ambassador Mussomeli. That is why I am totally surprised with these reports coming out that he prepared a report with me as the alleged source of certain sensitive statements.”

This was Vice President Noli “Kabayan” de Castro’s reaction to an alleged report by former US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Joseph Mussomeli that the Vice President allegedly said that there was circumstantial evidence of President Macapagal-Arroyo’s involvement in the electoral fraud scandal.

“To my very best recollection, I have met Ambassador Mussomeli only three times. The first was last April 9 during the commemoration of Bataan Day. The second was last July 4 when he hosted a party celebrating American Independence Day, which both the President and I attended. And the last instance was in an event in Intramuros where Senator Dick Gordon hosted a tourism program. In all these occasions, I have never spoken with Ambassador Mussomeli beyond the usual exchange of pleasantries.”

Mas maraming importanteng bagay na kailangang pagtuuan ng pansin at doon ko na lang ibabaling ang aking oras at atensyon. Mas mabuti pa siguro kung pagigtingin ko na lang ang pagganap sa aking tungkuling bigyan ng tamang pabahay ang ating mahihirap na kababayan.”

Ref no. VPMEDIA 05-129