Pinoy VOTE

Philippine Election, Politics and Controversies

source : GMANews.TV   
Tuesday, 30 October 2007 20:13
Business and civic groups renewed their call Tuesday for the creation of an independent commission to look into the alleged bribery of lawmakers and local government officials in Malacañang Palace.

In a statement signed by 17 business and civic leaders, proponents of the independent commission warned President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that how she handles the controversy will determine how sincere she is in fighting corruption.

"If President Arroyo wants public perception to turn positive she should appoint an independent commission composed of people whose reputation for integrity and independence are unquestioned, to look into the claims of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, ascertain where the money actually came from, and why such a thing can occur," read the statement, which was placed as a paid advertisement on Metro Manila newspapers Tuesday.
 It added that, "The results should immediately be released to the pubic."

The bribery scandal stemmed from the admission of neophyte governors Ed Panlilio (Pampanga) and Joselito Mendoza (Bulacan) that they received P500,000 each in Malacañang last October 11.

Two weeks after the alleged bribery was carried out, the League of Provinces of the Philippines claimed the money was theirs and that it was meant to finance development projects.

However, the business and civic leaders questioned the delay in President Arroyo's instruction to both the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission and the Ombudsman to investigate the matter.

Malacañang first ordered AMLC to investigate the matter but eventually ordered the Ombudsman to handle the investigation.

"Even more of an affront to the intelligence and sensibilities of the citizens is eh response of the LPP 12 days after the fact, claiming responsibility for the cash giveaways. Unless the LPP can back up its claim with solid documentary evidence, the public will remain unconvinced of its supposed role in the whole sordid affair," they said.

They said how Arroyo handles the controversy will either give credence to her claims she is serious about fighting corruption, or "feed into the festering feeling that corruption continues in high places."

Signatories of the statement included Filomeno Sta. Ana III (coordinator, Action for Economic Reform), former Sen. Vicente Paterno (national co-chairman, Bishops Businessmen's Conference for Human Development);

Jose Cuisia Jr (chairman, Coalition Against Corruption), former socio-economic planning secretary Felipe Medalla (chairman, Foundation for Economic Freedom), Alberto Lim (executive director, Makati Business Club);

Theresa Perez (president, National Council for Social Development), and Vincent Lazatin (executive director, Transparency and Accountability Network).

In the statement, the business and civic leaders said the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) should take action and determine the nature and origin of the money handed out in the Palace.

They also reminded Arroyo that the anti-graft law, or Republic Act 6713, is "very clear" that public officials must be above suspicion and must always be forthright and transparent.

"Receiving cash in a bag, without documentation, is claimed as routine and normal. No amount of claims that it is 'normal' will make it acceptable to the citizenry. Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza's admission that he regularly received cash from Malacañang raises many questions. How much cash has been received by elected officials over the years? Has it all been accounted for and publicly reported?" they said. - GMANews.TV
Comments (0)Add Comment

Write comment
smaller | bigger

security code
Write the displayed characters


busy
< Prev   Next >
 
Related Articles

Google Search

WebpinoyVOTE

Sponsored Links

Special Topics

Election 2007

Qualified Party List
Senator List
Political Parties
Surveys
Interesting Opinions
TV ADs
List of Registered Party-List
Free Zone List
Stars in Politics
Military in Politics
Surveys Standings
OAV Watch

The Mindanao Conflict

Govt troops capture 15 MILF rebel strongholds

article imageThousands of troops backed by air and artillery fire have captured 15 Muslim guerrilla strongholds in the southern Philippines after five days of intense fighting, while more than 272,000 villagers...
+ Full Story

More News

Archive

Alexa Rank

Who's Online

We have 36 guests online
You are here  : Home Home Controversies Groups push anew for independent probe on 'cash gifts'

Latest Articles

Popular Articles

Most Read Articles