Statement of Former DBM Secretary Florecio ‘Butch’ Abad on his Indictment by the Ombudsman

“I respect the Ombudsman’s decision, and welcome the fact that her office has dropped the graft, corruption, and technical malversation charges against me.

It is as I have always said: although the DAP was ruled as partly unconstitutional, the Supreme Court itself acknowledged that the program helped boost the country’s economy when it was most needed.

The Ombudsman’s decision also affirms the truth that I did not personally benefit from implementing the DAP. I never used public funds for my own gain, and I never will.

“I am consulting my legal advisers on the appropriate course of action following this development. As always, I look forward to the quick and fair resolution of this matter.”