Former Bohol governor Art Yap issued a statement on Monday, denying the allegations of plunder against him and criticizing the current provincial administration led by Governor Aris Aumentado.
Yap said he was not surprised by the charges, which he claimed were part of a political persecution orchestrated by his enemies.
He accused the Aumentado government of creating a body called OGAR to harass him and destroy his reputation in Bohol.
He also slammed the Bohol Chronicle, a local newspaper, for being biased and violating his civil rights.
Yap expressed his dismay over the performance of the current administration, which he said was neglecting the welfare of the people and focusing on trivial matters.
He enumerated some of the projects and programs that he initiated during his term, such as rice production, baranggay development, youth support, elderly care, scholarship, water supply, dialysis facilities, housing assistance, anti-drug campaign, and ASF prevention.
He said these projects made Bohol the most competitive province in Central Visayas for two years.
Yap vowed to defend himself until the accusations are proven false.
He urged the people to not be deceived by the provincial government’s move and to weep for Bohol instead.