Published 20 May 2016
Despite instances of overcharging for large construction projects during his government, the ex-president denies any wrongdoing.
Former Peruvian President Alan Garcia testified for three hours Friday at the Parliamentary Commission investigating the international corruption case known as “Lava Jato.”
The hearing took place behind closed doors, but its results will be released in coming weeks. García denied any wrongdoing and stated he is willing to participate in any capacity for which he is called by the Commission.
The Commission is investigating the alleged bribery of government officers by Brazilian companies. The case is known as Lava Jato after the "Car Wash" scandal in Brazil which is where the transactions supposedly took place.
Peru is involved in the international case as a result of the alleged bribes. Drawing particular scrutiny are the bribes purportedly made by the Brazilian company Odebrecht for the construction of the inter-oceanic road project that connects Peru and Brazil. The bribes are said to have taken place during the governments of García and Alejandro Toledo.
One of the officers from the Brazilian company OAS has also admitted to taking two hundred thousand dollars to Peru to be used as bribes.
Garcia's lawyer explained that his client was required to respond to 25 allegations in his testimony, including those of concessions for private investments, as well as in reference to particular emergency, legislative, and supreme decrees. President of the Commission, Congressman Juan Pari, requested García’s presence because many of the concessions under investigation took place during his government. Questions Pari claims to have asked García include “how is it that the public tender took place?” and “how is it that, in many cases, one company ended up as the only bidder, such as Odebrech?” He concluded “it is obvious that there are administrative processes … that need to be talked about, evaluated, and measured inside the Commission.”
Nevertheless, the former president denied any responsibility regarding illegal actions that benefited private companies and stated he is willing to testify as long as he is called through the proper channels.
“I have always had the will to come [testify], but I have always demanded that it should be done respecting [the rights of] citizens," said Garcia. "It should be done respecting due process. Once this is met, I [will] come, even if there is no forum.”
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