A former ally of the Philippine president who now backs the opposition’s tenacious attempts to oust her claimed yesterday that she bribed lawmakers to block last year’s impeachment bid.
Former Philippine House of Representatives speaker Jose de Venecia made his comments before a congressional committee considering an impeachment complaint against Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for alleged corruption, abuse of power and constitutional violations.
Although the impeachment is widely expected to be shot down — just like three others in recent years — de Venecia’s tirade could add to political tensions involving economic difficulties, fresh coup rumors and the dominant Roman Catholic Church’s criticism of Arroyo’s administration on issues including corruption.
De Venecia told the nationally televised hearing that more than 100 lawmakers received 500,000 pesos (US$10,000) during a meeting Arroyo called last year to secure their loyalty as the opposition was preparing an impeachment complaint.
De Venecia said he did not attend the meeting but that Arroyo’s aides later brought a bag containing the money to his office. He said he was willing to turn it over as evidence to the House committee.
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