Fonseca Says Only Allegations…No Evidence
Francis Fonseca
Fonseca said he would not go so far as to say what exactly the party will do in the event that criminal charges are brought against Doctor Mendez. He stated that it would be premature and irresponsible to comment now because of the very nature of the allegations and its impact on all concerned. As we said, it is a moral and political dilemma for the party which has faced its share of turmoil recently, and the usually unruffled party leader is clearly in a difficult position.
Francis Fonseca, P.U.P. Leader
“It’s all allegations. We have gotten nothing. We have gotten nothing. In the case of Arthur we conducted our internal investigation. We also had some reports that we received as a party. And we acted on the basis of those reports. We have nothing. You are saying it seems it is likely that there will be, but let us wait and see exactly what will happen. As I said, the party is treating it with absolute seriousness but we must allow the process to work, and we cannot get ahead of ourselves. If circumstances change and we receive information then I am authorized to act on the basis of that information that we receive.”
Reporter
“Sir, but why isn’t the party able to say clearly? If you are charged for child molestation, which is the indecent assault of children…if you are charged for that you cannot be a Standard Bearer or a representative for the P.U.P.”
Francis Fonseca
“Why do you want me to speculate about something that’s not on the table? I don’t know that. You want me to make a grand statement…no…we are talking about a man’s life and his career.”
Reporter
“We’re talking about children, sir…”
Francis Fonseca
“That was the first point I made, that the welfare of our children is critically important and must be paramount, but the point is you want me to enter into a realm of speculation about Dr. Marco Tulio’s future and I will not do so unless I have facts before me to do so. I will not do so.”
Reporter
“Sir, but let me ask a hypothetical question…if one is charged…”
Francis Fonseca
“This is not a time for hypothetical questions. This is…this is a very serious matter that affects a man’s career and his family. I understand that there’s a political agenda at play, but I will not be a part of that political agenda. There is a man’s career at stake and his family’s welfare that we have to be concerned about.”
We note that there is absolutely no official report that we know of against Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez. News Five has tried repeatedly to get comment from him, but with no success. Fonseca told us he spoke to Mendez today and Mendez maintains that he will fight the allegations against him. According to Fonseca, Mendez has also indicated that he does not intend to resign his seat in the National Assembly.
