Mexico city , Dec 6 (Agency) Colombian Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla has resigned amid an ongoing corruption scandal, though denying all allegations. The investigation against Bonilla was initiated by the attorney general’s office, which accused the top minister of alleged misappropriation of funds from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) and engaging in vote-buying in a congressional committee. Bonilla, who quit on Wednesday, has denied all accusations. “Please allow me to ask for my irrevocable resignation as minister of finance and public credit of Colombia.
I have always said that I respect the work of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and will not use a position in the cabinet to defend myself. I believe it is time to defend myself as a citizen with a legal team, without the status of a government official, in order to focus on the process and avoid any future damage to the government,” Bonilla said in a statement quoted by El Colombiano newspaper.Colombian Deputy Finance Minister Diego Guevara will replace the outgoing minister.Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who is a witness in the case, expressed his support for Bonilla on social media, calling the charges a tool of political warfare and noting Bonilla’s role in rebuilding the economy after the crisis inherited from the previous administration.