|
Manila: The former head of the House of Representatives claimed yesterday that President Gloria Arroyo's two sons, brother-in-law and husband used public funds to pay his allies to oust him from office.
In a forum with members of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap), former House Speaker Jose de Venecia said, "The House of Representatives have no choice but to investigate why and how my allies voted against me.
I will expose bribery and corruption for the use of public funds for my ouster. I have first-hand knowledge about corrupt practices in government."
De Venecia named Arroyo's two sons, Congressmen Diosdado Arroyo and Juan Miguel Arroyo; her brother-in-law, Congressman Ignacio Arroyo; and her husband Jose Miguel as responsible for promising posts and money to allies in exchange for his ouster.
"They [Arroyo's relatives] were motivated by personal vendetta not by facts," de Venecia said, in response to accusations he was ousted because the majority of the congressmen wanted more reforms in the lower house of congress.
Last year, de Venecia's son alleged in the Senate probes that the overseas development assistance (ODA) from the Chinese government for a broadband deal was overpriced to include alleged kickbacks to government officials.
Investigation
A state-run ZTE firm, was chosen by the Chinese government to implement the project.
Last year, Arroyo asked the Chinese government not to proceed with its ODA following the Senate investigation.
"I am willing to give a detailed account of widespread corruption in government," said de Venecia who vowed to make use of his privilege hour at the House of Representatives to accuse the Arroyo administration of alleged corruption.
De Venecia also said he has details of vote-rigging during the May 2004 election.
In 2005, the opposition claimed Arroyo had cheated in the 2004 presidential election, after opposition leaders released recorded phone conversations with an election officer after the 2004 polls.
Although Arroyo denied any wrongdoing, she apologised for a "lapse in judgment" for talking to an elections officer.
De Venecia was ousted by a majority of his allies early on Tuesday. He held his post for 13 years.
I will expose bribery and corruption for the use of public funds for my ouster. I have first-hand knowledge about corrupt practices in government."
Jose de Venecia
Former House Speaker
|
