Cebu Port Authority Chief Denies Allegations Amid Six-Month Suspension

MANILA, Philippines — The suspended chief of the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) dismissed the allegations against him of being biased in port operations, further saying that the complainant was misleading the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman placed CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III under a preventive suspension of up to six months over alleged Comendador III maintained that his decisions were always in the public interest and for fairness, and that the complainant was distorting facts and attempting to misguide the Ombudsman’s investigation. "I have always ensured that my decisions as CPA general manager were in the public interest and for fairness," Comendador III said. "I am confident that the Ombudsman will see through these baseless allegations and realize that the complainant is misleading them," he added. He also said that he is not worried about his suspension as he is confident that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing. Comendador III was placed under preventive suspension for allegedly giving favors to certain port operators. He is accused of violating Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Comendador III said that he will continue to serve the public in any capacity he can, even while suspended. "I will not be deterred by this temporary setback. I will continue to serve the Filipino people with dedication and integrity," he said. He also thanked his colleagues at the CPA for their support. "I am grateful for the unwavering support of my colleagues at the CPA. Their trust and confidence in me give me strength to face this challenge," he said.