CBCP Not Tended to Receive JDV Money
The president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on Monday said he is not tended to receive the alleged P500,000 bribe given to former Speaker Jose de Venecia by a Palace emissary last year.
During interview, CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said he does not know the history of the money although it could be one of the “cash gifts” given by Malacañang to congressmen who would endorse, and then dismiss, a weak impeachment complaint against President Arroyo.
“I will confer with the CBCP Permanent Council to discuss the issue though I can almost see what the council’s decision will be: We will not take the money,” Lagdameo said.
He added that he will refuse the money even if de Venecia insists on giving it.
De Venecia earlier told congressmen that his refusal to endorse the complaint cost him the Speakership and the presidency of Lakas-CMD, the party he co-founded with former president Fidel Ramos.
During the hearing on the new impeachment complaint against Arroyo, de Venecia confirmed that he received a P500,000 bribe from Malacañang to endorse the complaint.
He said he did not touch the money but will turn it over to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo and Archbishop Oscar Cruz.
Gabriela party list Rep. Liza Maza supported de Venecia’s claim and said bribery among top government officials should stop in order to effect change in government.
Maza cited various reports that linked Malacañang to bribery including the alleged distribution of P500,000 “cash gifts” to congressmen and governors in October 2007.
“On October 11, 2007, there was a breakfast meeting at Malacanang, including President Arroyo and around 189 congressmen. At the same time, a meeting was also called by the President for local government officials. According to reports, and as to what the public has already seen via media live footage, the officials went out of the meeting bringing paper bags,” she said.
By October 15 of the same year, governors Ed Panlilio (Pampanga) and Joselito Mendoza (Bulacan) confirmed in a press conference that they have received P500,000 after the breakfast meeting at the Palace. Panlilio stated that public funds may have been used for the alleged bribery scandal.
Courtesy of ABS-CBN News
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