Last week, the biggest news story was the 6 criminal charges brought against Orange Walk East Area Representative Marco Tulio Mendez.
He's accused of child molestation, and though he has declared to his party that he will defend his name and reputation very vigorously, he has yet to make any serious public statement to the press.
On Saturday, we caught up with Opposition Leader Francis Fonseca at the manifesto launch for the PUP City Council slate, and we asked him where the PUP stands with the elected representative who the party has suspended.
He told us that while the party is very aware of the serious nature of what Tulio Mendez is accused of, they can do no more at this time until Mendez has his day in court to defend himself against the charges:
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Opposition Leader - PUP
"It's a very serious matter. It is now before the courts, so we have to be very responsible in how we discuss the matter. But certainly, it's a serious matter. We have as you know, have removed Dr. Mendez from his position as Chairman of the Northern Caucus. We have also suspended him from all other duties and responsibilities and all party activities and as we said in the release, our focus is on getting at the truth and making sure that all of the persons involved in this matter are treated fairly, are treated justly. Certainly, we are concerned about the children, who are a part of this matter - the allege victims, we are very concerned about them, but we are also concerned about our friend and colleague Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez and his family."
Daniel Ortiz
"Sir, what do you make of the very Penner-est move made when he went to court? Why not just face the press and answer to questions?"
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Opposition Leader - PUP
"Dr. Mendez is, according to all the reports I've have gotten, are obviously in a very fragile state, but certainly, my advice to him would have been to face the media, speak to you, in a very responsible way and address, even if was to say, listen, I can't talk about this matter - so that certainly would have been my advice and I don't support the approach he took in dealing with the media."
Daniel Ortiz
"For those who criticize you as party leader, that you haven't gone far enough as is required by a person who represents the people, as a representative, must have the highest moral standards, you haven't requested his resignation. Why not and why is it that that is not on the table at this time?"
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Opposition Leader - PUP
"I think we have to take it one step at a time. As I said, these things were allegations up until last week. At the national executive, we discuss our plan of action and this was the course of action we agreed to when, if and when charges were made and so that is the course of action we've taken. Obviously, it a fluid situation, we will continue to discuss the matter at the national executive level of the party and this is a matter that will be under constant review. But, let's be very clear, Dr. Mendez is not guilty. He is before the courts, charged with very serious allegations, but he has not been found guilty."
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