Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno clarified Wednesday that his office cannot approve projects or government contracts, especially in Mindanao.

Magno issued the statement after receiving information and requests from several Mindanao officials asking for his intercession or approval on government projects.

“I hope this clarifies everything; and to all government contractors I am appealing to you to simply follow the legal processes of doing business with the government,” he said.

He said the matter has dragged the name of his office, wrongly pointing to it as the approving authority in all government projects that would be implemented in Mindanao, and even in other parts of the country.

“My only role is to monitor the status and evaluate the implementation of national programs and projects in Eastern Mindanao,” Magno clarified.

He also warned any personality not to use their office for any fraudulent transactions, even as he made it clear that they are not in any way dipping their fingers into the implementation and awarding of government projects.

“I am issuing this statement to clarify this matter and to issue a warning to anyone and everyone who wants to put this office in a bad light and use the same for their self-vested interests,” Magno explained. (PNA)