Never-ending Bribery in Malacañang - A Desperate Scheme of a Putrid Presidency

With the resumption of the impeachment hearings today, Gabriela Women's Party Representative Liza Largoza Maza discussed the issue of bribery of members of the House of Representatives and local officials in Malacañang last year before the House Justice Committee.

Enumerating the series of events that accounted the acts of bribery and corruption, Rep. Maza asserted that “these clearly indicate that the very acts of bribery itself took place in Malacañang.”

“Secondly, it occurred in a meeting called for and attended by President Arroyo. In those two successive meetings, the issue of impeachment was the main agenda. And when the issue was exposed, Malacañang officials, the alter-egos of the President and her allies came up with contradictory versions in order to justify the pay-off. Finally, the impeachment complaint was dismissed,” said Maza.

No less than former Speaker Jose de Venecia also affirmed in his testimony today that he received half million bribe money from Malacañang and was tasked to refer the spurious Pulido impeachment complaint.

Maza further stressed that “We can never tolerate bribery in any form. This must be stopped to frustrate the crimes committed with impunity under the Arroyo administration. While millions of Filipino people suffer in tremendous hunger and poverty, top government officials indulge in illegal activities right at the very premises of Malacañang. So long as the President involved in bribery is at large, justice and truth will continue to be elusive.”

“There is a strong and adequate ground to impeach President Arroyo. Holding her accountable to all these charges is a step ahead in ending corruption in the government,” said Maza.###