MALACAÑANG yesterday assured sacked National Bureau of Investigation director Magtanggol Gatdula he will have his chance to clear his name in the alleged kidnapping and extortion case that caused his ouster.

At the same time deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte dismissed charges that Gatdula was summarily sacked while officials close to President Benigno S. Aquino  who were linked to other scandals were retained.

“Una, sa sinasabing nahatulan... ang findings kasi sa recommendation were really findings of fact. Kahit DoJ, sabi nila these are recommendations. Magkakaroon ng preliminary investigation dito and of course Director Gatdula will be given the chance to defend himself in those proceedings,” Valte said

Gatdula on Friday night said that while he accepted his dismissal as Aquino’s prerogative, he could not accept that his name was sullied and dragged into a kidnap-extortion case.

Aquino “terminated” Gatdula’s appointment after a fact-finding panel of the DoJ recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against the former NBI chief who was implicated in the alleged kidnapping and extortion of undocumented Japanese national Noriyo Ohara.

Gatdula lamented he was never given a chance to give his side. He said he will fight back legally.

Aquino has yet to name the replacement of Gatdula but has tasked De Lima to designate an officer in charge for the NBI.                                       EMontano