People’s National Party MP Mikael Phillips has denied speculations that the Integrity Commission (IC) is investigating him for illicit enrichment.

Speculations started swirling this week after the commission submitted a report to Parliament for tabling regarding the Manchester North Western MP.

The criticism came hard and fast, and some questioned why PNP President Mark Golding did not speak publicly on the issue as was the recent case when Prime Minister Andrew Holness was caught up in an IC probe that prompted calls for his resignation.

But in a press release Friday, Phillips sought to quell the noise surrounding his brush with the commission.

He said the IC report surrounded the late submission of his statutory declaration due to outstanding documents at the time — and not related to illicit enrichment as speculated.

He said all relevant documents were gathered and the statutory declaration was made shortly after the required deadline. He also said he had paid the $250,000 penalty for missing the submission deadline.

“As a public servant, I take my responsibilities seriously and while the statutory declaration was delayed it is not connected with illicit enrichment. … “I remain committed to serving my constituents and the people of Jamaica with integrity, transparency and accountability,” Phillips said.