Ongpin lawyer hails Ombdusman order on DBP probe

The lawyer of businessman Roberto Ongpin on Monday hailed the Ombudsman’s decision to proceed with the preliminary investigation into the “behest loan" that the previous Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) board allegedly granted the former Trade minister. In a statement, Ongpin’s lawyer, Alexander Poblador, said the Ombudsman’s decision will serve “as an opportunity for my client and other respondents to refute the charge." Poblador said Ongpin’s camp has not received a copy of the Ombudsman’s order. “In fact, we have not seen the complaint filed by the Development Bank of the Philippines more than a month ago regarding the supposed ‘behest loan’ granted to Mr. Ongpin by the previous board of the state-owned lender," he said. Poblador issued the statement in reaction to news reports that the Ombudsman late last month ordered Ongpin and 27 former and current DBP officials and individuals to file counteraffidavits within 10 days upon receipt of the order. Earlier, Ongpin’s office said he will move to disbar a lawyer for unauthorized representation on behalf of the DBP and for issuing a “false" statement. The lawyer, Zenaida Ongkiko Acosta, maintained that she is DBP’s spokesperson and that Ongpin’s imputations against her are “false and malicious." — PE/VS, GMA News