Press Statement of Team PNoy Campaign Manager Sen. Franklin M. Drilon on smear campaign against Sen. Loren Legarda

I am appalled by the continued use of black propaganda and character assassination in the current senatorial campaign despite our efforts to elevate the debates to significant issues and platforms of government.

Recently, one of our leading candidates Sen. Loren Legarda has been a victim of such venomous smear drive against her.

I find the timing of questions raised against Senator Legarda on her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) highly suspicious given the proximity of the May 13 elections. Why bring it up only now?

As a fellow senator and friend, I have known Senator Legarda as a person of respect and integrity. She was my indefatigable Majority Floor Leader when I was Senate President during the 11th, 12th and 13th Congresses.

As an outstanding legislator and politician, Senator Legarda has established an impressive track record of unsullied public service and I am certain that any attempt at character assassination against her would fail in the face of her impending victory in the elections.