Ghost projects in Masbate? Kho’s lawyer responds

For today's piece, I am publishing the response of Masbate Rep. Antonio Kho to my Oct. 12 column "Ghost projects in Masbate? DPWH, take a look," sent through his lawyer.

- IRIS GONZALES

The letter, signed by lawyer Renfred Tan of Quezon City-headquartered Tan Briones & Associates, sought to clarify information mentioned in the 38-page judicial narrative of some members of the Masbate Quad Media Society Inc. (MQMSI), including the corruption-related complaints filed against Kho, the former provincial governor of Masbate.

See below:

On the alleged judicial narrative detailing alleged ghost projects in Masbate

The document described as a “judicial narrative” is highly suspect. Calling the supposed Aug. 2, 2025 document a “judicial narrative”is misleading and erroneously implies that it was filed in court or it emanated from a judicial process.

However, there is no recently filed case, particularly dated Aug. 2, 2025, against Rep. Antonio Kho, especially pertaining to ghost projects when he was still provincial governor. The author mentioned that she got hold of a copy of an Aug. 2, 2025 document submitted by members of the MQMSI. It is not clear where this document was submitted nor is there reason as to why she would describe such document as a “judicial narrative” as it could not have reached the courts. The author has, therefore, falsely attributed judicial credibility to the said document when it has none.

On Arnel Bello, Edarlito Doremon Jr. and Benjamin Gigante representing MQMSI

The article cites findings from Arnel Bello, Edarlito Doremon Jr., and Benjamin Giganten and directly implying that they speak for MQMSI. Per MQMSI president, Ruben Fuentes, these individuals are not authorized to represent the organization and their views do not reflect those of MQMSI.