A friend of mine forwarded to me a number of internet address where to find opinions regarding Villarosa. Here are samples:
"Meanwhile, the Office of the Solicitor General, the advocate of the People of the Philippines, wants to undo the justice that the courageous Judge Teresa Yadao of the Quezon City RTC did for the grieving family of Michael and Paul Quintos, who were murdered close to a decade ago in Mindoro Occidental. The OSG is now on the side of the convicted mastermind, Jose Villarosa, former governor of the province. What is the message here? Iba na ang malakas. No wonder Congresswoman Girlie Villarosa always sashays into the "majestic" presence of her bosses – GMA and her FG, in every photo opportunity, proud to be in their "Team"." (This is taken from http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar10/edbanayo.htm.)
In Pinoy Big Briber Blog (see http://blog.codesignstudios.com/2007/11/10/pinoy-big-briber-political-satire-on-the-philippine-government/), one reads: "So, the other day, they came out with a parallel storyline. This time, House Deputy Speaker “Girlie” Villarosa, speaking as Secretary of Kampi – the President’s very own political party, owned up to the cash given to Abante and the other Congressman. Of course, she had to qualify that the “President had no knowledge of this, and that Puno – as Party Chair, knew of the funds but not the details of its disbursement.” Puno, on his part, feigned being hurt for being put “out of the loop” of such an important transaction.
I was listening to Anthony Taberna interviewing Villarosa and I was both amused and appalled at her gall in peddling such incredulous lies. She was fumbling all over and could not even answer basic questions like who selects the recipients, who authorized disbursement, etc. They forgot to tell her it takes professionals like Bunye and Puno to lie with a straight face and without mumbling words.
The text-in reactions said it all. To Villarosa, one texter said, “More practice!” and to Puno, another texter said, “Fire your scriptwriter.” But the real clincher was Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol’s reaction. He was visibly irked at the contradicting statements coming out of the Palace and its allies. His advice: “Just shut up!”
My own advice is for them to first agree on which lies they would like as to believe as true, before speaking up.
Tama na! Sobra na! Ginagago na talaga tayo!"
See also http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=193&a=24191. The piece is written by Amado Doronila. He says, Villarosa's revelation actually raises more questions, one of which is where or who is KAMPI's source of funds? A KAMPI member says probably their chest only contains some P700,000.00, coming from the monthly 5,000.00 contributions of KAMPI members. In parting Doronila says, "There's a limit to the lies that the administration can fabricate to extricate the President from the hole she has dug for herself, not only in the payoff scandal but also in several other corruption scandals. There's a limit to the public's tolerance to take lies."
I quoted Doronila's parting words precisely because Villarosa made herself an accomplice in the fabrication of lies. Anyway, the article's banner title is MALACANAN'S CLUMSY LIARS.
For Gerry Baja, writing for http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov0807/opinion_puntos.htm, the entire Villarosa brouhaha was nothing but intending to earn JTV his much needed presidential pardon. He writes: "Sa isang tunay na nagmamahalang subok at hinubog ng panahon, dedma na diyan ang mga sasabihin ng iba at wala ng pakialam sino man ang masagasaan.
Kaya naman itong si House Deputy Speaker Amelita "Girlie" Villarosa kahit kulang sa practice at seminar...ayon kumana ng kumana.
Kailangang sumipsip ng todo ng kongresista para maibaon sa utang na loob ang AKING MAHAL NA PANGULO at masingil sa takdang panahon.
Ang mister kasi ni congresswoman na si dating Gov. Jose Villarosa ay kasalukuyang pakuya-kuyakoy sa New Bilibid Prisons dahil sa pagpatay sa magkapatid na Paul at Michael Quintos sa Occidental Mindoro noong 1997.
Ang kaso ay naka-apila sa korte suprema matapos ibaba ni Judge Ma. Theresa Yadao ng QC RTC ang matapang na desisyon noong march 2006.
Nakakahiyang isang taon pa lang sa bilibid eh mabibigyan kaagad ng pardon si Villarosa. Pero kung tatagal sa puwesto si PGMA hanggang 2010, hindi malayong makalaya si mister.
Ito po ang dahilan kung bakit ang papel ay walang kagatol-gatol na tinanggap at ginampanan ni Congresswoman Girlie kahit walang preparasyon.
Nagmukha tuloy artistang puyat si Girlie na dumating sa set ng late at nagkasablay-sablay dahil hindi kabisado ang script.
Ang problema nito Assec Bryan Yamsuan, hindi na pwedeng humirit ng take 2... dahil pati si DILG Sec. Ronnie Puno ay naibenta ng hindi oras..hehe
Pero sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, ang ginawa ni Cong. Girlie ay kahanga-hanga. Hindi na bale na siya ay magmukhang tanga, manloloko at sinungaling... masagip lamang si PGMA at ang pinakamamahal na asawa.
Isinakripisyo ng kongresista ang kaniyang integridad at kredibilidad para maihirit ang pardon ng asawa.
At kung tatanaw ng utang na loob ang AKING MAHAL NA PANGULO na siya namang katangian nito, eh maaring humanap ng paraang legal para sa pardon kay Villarosa.
Sabi ko nga sa inyo, bilang tanging otoridad o taong may hawak ng kapangyarihang magbigay ng pardon...kahit si Satanas ay pwedeng palayain ng pangulo.
Kapag nagkataon, si dating Cong. at Gov. Jose Villarosa ang ikatlong mabibigyan ng pardon ni PGMA."
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Well, Didaskalos knew he's not solitary.
Kahit dito sa Mindoro, marami naman talagang nakakaalam sa mga nangyayari, o mas nakakaalam kaysa sa mga Villarosa... Pagdating ng panahon, mangyayari rin ang dapat.
Ikaw, ano persepsyon mo sa ating Kongresista?
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
To His Damsel in Distress, JTV Comes to the Rescue
After the abuse of the Congresswoman from Occidental Mindoro of everyone's right to commit stupidity (yes, I got this line from a friend through SMS: everyone is given a right to be stupid, which some people tend to abuse) when she in vain tried to cover up the potential -- and actually her only hope being the President of the Strong Republic -- rescuer of her husband from the prospect of spending his life in jail in relation to October 11 bribery, JTV comes to the rescue.
As I monitored in San Jose, the radio station of the Villarosa's is up to defend their boss. Politicians associated with the Representative have been interviewed to explain -- in Girlie's stead -- to the public. The radio station of the Catholic Church, on the other hand, which happens to be more credible than that of Villarosa's, has been trying to bring to people's mind the issue, and belaboring to elaborate for Mindorenos the repercussions of Villarosa's confession as the bag-lady for the bribery to stifle the impeachment bid against the sitting president.
For example, last Saturday, in a radio program hosted by Mr. Polding dela Cruz, a live interview was made to JTV involving the issue. It was after his Damsel in Distress days before went to San Jose and graced a number of occasion (to purportedly explain her side to the people). JTV, of course, was in Muntinlupa. Or was he?
Likewise, for this week, JTV through his FM station explains their side.
While I do not deny to JTV the right (and responsibility) to proceed to the side of his damsel and take up the fight for her, I cannot but be frank to him in telling that in so doing he heaps upon themselves further stupidity.
For until when can they openly defy the requirement of common sense, if not the law, about the non-possession of any inmate of a mobile phone -- let alone the access to media interview on any subject to further their political agenda?
Akala niya siguro natutuwa ang mga tao -- siyempre, maliban sa mga supporters nila at yung mga umaasa sa kanila para mabuhay -- na marinig ang boses ni JTV mula sa kulungan.. By the fact that he's in jail, I do consider him a disgrace to Occidental Mindoro. Sana nga dahan-dahan na lamang siyang maglahong parang bula..
Note the brazen-ness...
This is now the problem. Air has gotten into the head of the political leader(s) of Occidental Mindoro; they now think they are more than the leaders -- but the law personified.
As I monitored in San Jose, the radio station of the Villarosa's is up to defend their boss. Politicians associated with the Representative have been interviewed to explain -- in Girlie's stead -- to the public. The radio station of the Catholic Church, on the other hand, which happens to be more credible than that of Villarosa's, has been trying to bring to people's mind the issue, and belaboring to elaborate for Mindorenos the repercussions of Villarosa's confession as the bag-lady for the bribery to stifle the impeachment bid against the sitting president.
For example, last Saturday, in a radio program hosted by Mr. Polding dela Cruz, a live interview was made to JTV involving the issue. It was after his Damsel in Distress days before went to San Jose and graced a number of occasion (to purportedly explain her side to the people). JTV, of course, was in Muntinlupa. Or was he?
Likewise, for this week, JTV through his FM station explains their side.
While I do not deny to JTV the right (and responsibility) to proceed to the side of his damsel and take up the fight for her, I cannot but be frank to him in telling that in so doing he heaps upon themselves further stupidity.
For until when can they openly defy the requirement of common sense, if not the law, about the non-possession of any inmate of a mobile phone -- let alone the access to media interview on any subject to further their political agenda?
Akala niya siguro natutuwa ang mga tao -- siyempre, maliban sa mga supporters nila at yung mga umaasa sa kanila para mabuhay -- na marinig ang boses ni JTV mula sa kulungan.. By the fact that he's in jail, I do consider him a disgrace to Occidental Mindoro. Sana nga dahan-dahan na lamang siyang maglahong parang bula..
Note the brazen-ness...
This is now the problem. Air has gotten into the head of the political leader(s) of Occidental Mindoro; they now think they are more than the leaders -- but the law personified.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
If Villarosa were to be believed...
Villarosa confessed of her participation in the October 11 bribery in Malacanan.. But is her version believable?
Let us see. There are a score of questions that need to be squarely answered:
1. If the KAMPI's fund, as Villarosa claimed, was for assistance, we may ask: To assist whom? According to Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, the President of the League of Provinces in the Philippines (LPP), the money was to assist the freshmen governors to formulate their programs on their first year. He also said the millions came from LPP (they came out with a paid ads in the daily papers, claiming that it was from them.) Evardone’s admission came after a series of denials and accusations on the source of the windfall. Fingers pointed to a Palace official, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Pagcor and Speaker Jose de Venecia.
And, hey, two governors—Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan—admitted receiving P500,000 each. Villarosa named Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila and Thomas Dumpit of La Union as two beneficiaries among congressmen. About 50 governors and 190 congressmen attended the breakfast meeting. Pampanga and Bulacan are not cash-strapped provinces that needed handouts. The group of provinces known as the “20 poorest of the poor” is more deserving of the Oct. 11 donation.
2. The cash was handed to the participants while they were leaving the Palace. Why not during the breakfast meeting?
3. The issuance of a check or checks would have been more appropriate and conventional instead of a turnover of cold cash. Right?
4. The money was withdrawn from a Bank of Commerce branch in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Huh, KAMPI's headquarter in Pampanga?
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Well, Madame... You have more questions to answer. We hope to hear from you.
Let us see. There are a score of questions that need to be squarely answered:
1. If the KAMPI's fund, as Villarosa claimed, was for assistance, we may ask: To assist whom? According to Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, the President of the League of Provinces in the Philippines (LPP), the money was to assist the freshmen governors to formulate their programs on their first year. He also said the millions came from LPP (they came out with a paid ads in the daily papers, claiming that it was from them.) Evardone’s admission came after a series of denials and accusations on the source of the windfall. Fingers pointed to a Palace official, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Pagcor and Speaker Jose de Venecia.
And, hey, two governors—Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan—admitted receiving P500,000 each. Villarosa named Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila and Thomas Dumpit of La Union as two beneficiaries among congressmen. About 50 governors and 190 congressmen attended the breakfast meeting. Pampanga and Bulacan are not cash-strapped provinces that needed handouts. The group of provinces known as the “20 poorest of the poor” is more deserving of the Oct. 11 donation.
2. The cash was handed to the participants while they were leaving the Palace. Why not during the breakfast meeting?
3. The issuance of a check or checks would have been more appropriate and conventional instead of a turnover of cold cash. Right?
4. The money was withdrawn from a Bank of Commerce branch in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Huh, KAMPI's headquarter in Pampanga?
-------------------------
Well, Madame... You have more questions to answer. We hope to hear from you.
Why the Cover Up of Villarosa?
Since I learned of the "heroic deed" of Villarosa to confess of her participation in the bribery in Malacanan, I cannot help but think of her possible reason or motivation... Well, in 8 November 2007 issue of PDI, Ramon Tulfo -- that fiery columnist -- made mention for me and for all Mindorenos the known reason.
Tulfo says the action of Villarosa is really to remove PGMA from the scene of the bribery. Thus, hers was made to exculpate the President. Note Villarosa's emphasis that PGMA knew nothing of the plan to distribute cash gifts (read: bribes).
But for what?
Of course, it is conventionally known that anyone acts on the basis of self-interest. If so, then the action of the Representa-thief is traceable to the fate of her husband who for years already is languishing in jail for his conviction to the murder of the Quintos brothers.
Talks there are in Occidental Mindoro concerning how JTV is enjoying amenities usually beyond the reach of ordinary inmates. For instance, he has his mobile phone. In fact, from time to time, and if he so wishes, he is being interviewed over his FM station in San Jose.
In one occasion, PDI likewise bannered about JTV's walking out of the Muntinlupa on the guise that he was sick. The PDI article however contended that according to the eyewitnesses JTV was not sick, or at least simply feigning to be sicked.
On account of that article, the "graced" inmate's holiday outside of his prison cell was shortened.
Back to Tulfo: There are words that actually linked the axing of the former Bilibid Chief Vinarao to Villarosa's political connections. She was not able to get what she wanted for her husband, and so her way of avenging herself was to throw Vinarao out of Muntinlupa.
But, of course, how can I stop a loving wife for all her good intentions and deeds for her husband?
Actually, as I see it, Villarosa's motivation goes beyond the securing of good treatment for her jailed husband. What ever that means. Its part of my anticipation that Villarosa has been "undergrounding", so to speak, for the pardon of her husband.. Well, JTV is nearing 70 years old.. On account of his age, he might move the heart of the President to set him free.
We have here a very hardworking lady who would do everything for her beloved.. Even to bring herself to shame of national scope and magnitude.
Sana ganyan din siya magtrabaho para sa probinsiya ng Kanlurang Mindoro... Malas lang natin, kabayan..
Tulfo says the action of Villarosa is really to remove PGMA from the scene of the bribery. Thus, hers was made to exculpate the President. Note Villarosa's emphasis that PGMA knew nothing of the plan to distribute cash gifts (read: bribes).
But for what?
Of course, it is conventionally known that anyone acts on the basis of self-interest. If so, then the action of the Representa-thief is traceable to the fate of her husband who for years already is languishing in jail for his conviction to the murder of the Quintos brothers.
Talks there are in Occidental Mindoro concerning how JTV is enjoying amenities usually beyond the reach of ordinary inmates. For instance, he has his mobile phone. In fact, from time to time, and if he so wishes, he is being interviewed over his FM station in San Jose.
In one occasion, PDI likewise bannered about JTV's walking out of the Muntinlupa on the guise that he was sick. The PDI article however contended that according to the eyewitnesses JTV was not sick, or at least simply feigning to be sicked.
On account of that article, the "graced" inmate's holiday outside of his prison cell was shortened.
Back to Tulfo: There are words that actually linked the axing of the former Bilibid Chief Vinarao to Villarosa's political connections. She was not able to get what she wanted for her husband, and so her way of avenging herself was to throw Vinarao out of Muntinlupa.
But, of course, how can I stop a loving wife for all her good intentions and deeds for her husband?
Actually, as I see it, Villarosa's motivation goes beyond the securing of good treatment for her jailed husband. What ever that means. Its part of my anticipation that Villarosa has been "undergrounding", so to speak, for the pardon of her husband.. Well, JTV is nearing 70 years old.. On account of his age, he might move the heart of the President to set him free.
We have here a very hardworking lady who would do everything for her beloved.. Even to bring herself to shame of national scope and magnitude.
Sana ganyan din siya magtrabaho para sa probinsiya ng Kanlurang Mindoro... Malas lang natin, kabayan..
Still Villarosa is lucky...
Still Villarosa is lucky, notwithstanding the self-dug hole she's in after her attempt to cover up the President of the make-believe Strong Republic in relation to the issue of cash gift, er, bribery of solons and local government stalwarts in Malacanan last October.
Why lucky? Precisely because in the Philippines politics is local..
The extent of the damage to her political damage is confined in Manila (where I heard invictives were meted her, as reported by one radio station). In Occidental Mindoro, nobody seems to have given her revelation of herself being the "bag lady" a damn..
I hope I was wrong..
One time, I chanced upon the Gir-lie Villarosa in the airport of San Jose. She was from Manila, and she was accorded with a quite a size of throng to see her come home. To my mind then, well, for someone who very seldom comes home -- thus, almost a visitor -- a welcome such as this is justified. (Of course, she's our representative in the Congress!)
I actually am pained by my anticipation that even after this brouhaha in Manila when she comes home, she will still be warmly welcomed by her supporters in the airport. Yes, I am very recent for this.. For politics is local.. And for which she is still lucky..
Why lucky? Precisely because in the Philippines politics is local..
The extent of the damage to her political damage is confined in Manila (where I heard invictives were meted her, as reported by one radio station). In Occidental Mindoro, nobody seems to have given her revelation of herself being the "bag lady" a damn..
I hope I was wrong..
One time, I chanced upon the Gir-lie Villarosa in the airport of San Jose. She was from Manila, and she was accorded with a quite a size of throng to see her come home. To my mind then, well, for someone who very seldom comes home -- thus, almost a visitor -- a welcome such as this is justified. (Of course, she's our representative in the Congress!)
I actually am pained by my anticipation that even after this brouhaha in Manila when she comes home, she will still be warmly welcomed by her supporters in the airport. Yes, I am very recent for this.. For politics is local.. And for which she is still lucky..
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The Problem When You Bribe... And Fail To Control Your Big Mouth!
The following are reports from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/.
Pangilinan says Villarosa lying, urges Senate probe
Majority Floor Leader Francis Pangilinan said Wednesday he will ask the Senate leadership to immediately start an investigation into bribery allegations involving Malacañang and administration congressmen, radio dzMM reported.
The report also said Pangilinan rejected Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa's admission that the money given to congressmen was part of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino's (KAMPI) assistance fund.
He also doubted Villarosa's claim because it took her nearly a month to own up to the distribution of the "cash gift" inside paper bags.
The senator added that at least P120 million in cash was distributed to congressmen and other local officials during a meeting in Malacañang on October 11.
At the same time, Pangilinan dismissed the congresswoman's statement that said President Arroyo was unaware of the distribution of cash gifts.
He said even a Grade 1 pupil would know that Villarosa was lying.
Mrs. Arroyo is a founding member of KAMPI. Villarosa had admitted that the cash distribution took place after Mrs. Arroyo met administration congressmen in Malacañang.
Pangilinan said he will ask the Senate leadership to act on Sen. Panfilo Lacson's resolution that seeks to investigate the bribery allegations against Malacañang.
Villarosa earlier said she is willing to be investigated by the House ethics committee regarding the cash gift KAMPI distributed to some members of administration coalition.
"Walang problema diyan. Kung ano ang dapat gawin, gawin natin (No problem. We should do whatever must be done) in accordance with the law," Villarosa told ABS-CBN's morning show, "Umagang Kay Ganda."
Reports Tuesday said Villarosa admitted that the KAMPI gave up to P500,000 in cash gifts to some congressmen who attended the Malacañang meeting.
Villarosa, however, clarified that only Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante and La Union Rep. Thomas Dumpit received P500,000 each during the meeting.
She said the money came from KAMPI's assistance funds. She added the cash gift given to Abante was intended for his visit to the Saudi Arabia last month.
When asked why it took her almost a month to admit that the cash gift came from KAMPI, Villarosa said the party "doesn't advertise" the help extended to congressmen.
"If we give assistance to our allies, we don't flaunt it. We help silently. That is a private thing for us," Villarosa said, adding that even Mrs. Arroyo was unaware of the cash gift.
The congresswoman added that she decided to keep the cash gift secret even after Mrs. Arroyo ordered the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission to investigate the allegations of bribery. Villarosa said she was confident the truth will come out."
We have a different approach on how things should be handled. We have our ways," Villarosa said.
Abante, meanwhile, said the money is still intact and he never used it while he was away in Saudi Arabia, adding that he learned about the real purpose of the funds only after his return Monday. The congressman said no one told him what the money was for when it was given to him.
"I was gone for more than two weeks. The money is there. Upon my return, my only question was where the money really came from. When I returned on Monday they told me it came from KAMPI's assistance fund," he said.
Abante said he still has his reservations about KAMPI's sudden admission. He, however, said he is thankful. He said he will use the money for his constituents in Manila.
"I received the money, which was given to me in good faith by KAMPI. It's fine with me," he said.
He added that he tried to return the money to Villarosa but she told him, "That is a gift contribution to you and to your [constituents]."
Villarosa said Tuesday that Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, in his capacity as KAMPI chairman, was aware of the cash distribution. He was not told that it will be distrubted in Malacañang, she said.
But at the height of the controversy sparked and questions created by the distribution of the cash gifts last month, Puno made statements that the money might have come from the party funds of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
He told the media to ask Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. about the cash gift.
Apostol to Villarosa: Stop talking
Short of saying that she should "shut up," Sergio Apostol, President Arroyo's chief legal adviser told Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa to refrain from talking about the distribution of "cash gifts" in Malacanang on Octover 11, dzMM reported Wednesday.
Apostol said Villarosa's statement further mixes up the issue because Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno already attributed the cash gifts that went as high as P500,000 to Speaker Jose de Venecia.
Apostol is a regional officer of the dominant Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party while de Venecia is party president.
Puno, on the other hand, is chairman of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino, the party co-founded by Mrs. Arroyo. Villarosa, meanwhile, is a regional chief for KAMPI.
Apostol said that Villarosa's admission has made the Ombudsman's ongoing investigation into the cash gift scandal easier.
He added that it would also be better to investigate Villarosa immediately.Villarosa admitted Tuesday that the money distributed to administration congressmen were from the coffers of KAMPI.
The congresswoman said that P500,000 individually distributed to administration allies were intended for medical missions and funerals. She also said that the amounts given varied. She said some congressmen receiving amounts as low as P5,000.
Villarosa said that Puno was aware of the cash distribution. He, however, was not told that it was scheduled in Malacañang, she said.The deputy House chief added that she was the one who initiated the distribution inside the palace while the congressmen were convening since most of them were heading to their respective provinces for vacation following the congressional recess.
Villarosa and the Bribery in the Palace
I stumbled across a news item posted in http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=98296. I copied and pasted it in here for people of Occidental Mindoro to read and ponder upon.
Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa, the party's regional head, said that the P500,000 individually distributed to administration allies were sourced from KAMPI’s assistance fund.She said that the funds were intended for medical missions and funerals. She also said that the amounts given varied. She said some congressmen receiving amounts as low as P5,000.
"We really do this we have members who need help," she told ABS-CBN News correspondent Paul Henson.Villarosa said that Secretary Ronaldo Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in his capacity as KAMPI chairman, was aware of the cash distribution. He, however, was not told that it was scheduled in Malacañang, she said.
The deputy House chief added that she was the one who initiated the distribution inside the palace while the congressmen were convening since most of them were heading to their respective provinces for vacation following the congressional recess.
Despite her revelations, Villarosa did not name those who received the money except for Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. who earlier said that the money either came from Villarosa or KAMPI. Abante is a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
"Actually party funds… they gave it to me because I was going to the Middle East to help OFWs," Abante said.
Villarosa said that money was also given to other members of the administration coalition.
When asked if President Arroyo, one of KAMPI’s founders, knew of the distribution of money, Villarosa said that the Chief Execurive knew nothing of the cash gifts.
Villarosa defended her late admission, saying she knew that the truth would eventually come out in the end.
Opposition congressmen, meanwhile, said they are not satisfied of Villarosa’s explanation.
"Hindi sapat na si Villarosa at Abante lang, dapat pati si [Arroyo] (The statements of Villarosa and Abante are not enough, Arroyo should issue a statement too)," Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said.
The opposition urged the President to address the issue because the distribution of the cash gifts took place inside the palace.
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Inquirer.net (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=99156) has more substance.
The money that was given to congressmen in Malacañang last October came from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Partner of the Free Filipino), a party official admitted to INQUIRER.net Tuesday.
Deputy Speaker Ma. Amelita Villarosa of the House of Representatives and regional head of Kampi, issued the confirmation shortly after Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. identified her as the source of the fund that was given to him during the legislators’ breakfast meeting with the President at the Palace last October 11.
Arroyo founded Kampi, a member of the ruling coalition at the House, along with Speaker Jose de Venecia’s Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
Villarosa said Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Kampi chairman, knew about the disbursement but did not know that it would be distributed in Malacañang.
“Siyempre, chairman yun e. He [Puno] knows the disbursement pero hindi niya alam ang detalye, [Of course, he’s chairman. He knew about the disbursement but not the details],” Villarosa said in a phone interview.
“Tinawagan niya ako. Hindi ba dapat kay JDV [Speaker Jose de Venecia] manggagaling yun? E sabi ko nga, maliit naman yung galing sa kanya, P200,000 [He called me up. Isn’t the money supposed to come from JDV? But I told him that the money that would come from the Speaker was small, P200,000],” she said referring to the monthly allowance of House members.
Villarosa said she took it upon herself to distribute the money at the Palace because the legislators were leaving for their respective provinces for the congressional break.
“Kasi paalis na kami. E andun ako [in the meeting]. Instead na ako ang mamigay, pinabigay ko na lang [We were about to leave. I was there. So instead of me giving the money, I asked somebody else to give it],” she said.
She refused to identify those who had received the money except for Abante Jr., who had admitted to receiving P500,000.
Asked why Kampi would give assistance to Abante, a member of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Villarosa said it was because her party provided assistance on a case-to-case basis, whether they were with the administration or the opposition bloc.
“Yung humihingi, binibigyan naming [Those who ask, we give]. Pag Christmas season o kung may bagyo [If it’s the Christmas season or if there’s a typhoon], it’s normal to us. May assistance funds kami [We have assistance funds] but we don’t encourage them to come to us,” she explained.
“It’s a case-to-case basis, Sinasabi lang sa akin yung request, hindi naman kami kasi ganun ka pormal [The request is being forwarded to me. It’s not that formal]. Sasabihin sa akin [They’ll tell me], I need your help then I’ll tell them, let’s see. But that’s normal,” she pointed out.
Even opposition members sometimes also sought assistance from their party, Villarosa said.
In fact, Villarosa said some opposition members whom she did not name had even asked assistance from Kampi when they traveled to China recently.
In the case of Abante, Villarosa said she gave him money because he had a flock ministry and was leaving for Saudi Arabia that time.
Villarosa said she only came out now simply because they did not want all lawmakers to seek financial help from Kampi.
Asked why Kampi had allowed allegations of bribery to be heaped on the President, Villarosa said it was because they were confident that Arroyo would not be affected by the issue.
“Hindi naapektuhan ng ganyang news si Presidente [The President is not affected by news like that]. Focused siya sa economic reforms [She is focused on economic reforms]. Alam din naman naming [We also know] that the truth will come out later. We’ll just take the news as they come and it will end one day. Hindi kami agad nagre-react sa [We don’t immediately react to] newspapers. Anyway, it can be corrected later,” she said.
But Villarosa admitted that in passing, she had told the President about the disbursement.
When asked, however, why the President had ordered an investigation on the matter when she told her about it, Villarosa said, “Of course, she [Arroyo] has to do that.”
Villarosa insisted however that there was nothing irregular about the cash distribution and that there was no need for an investigation since the money was a private fund.
“What is the investigation for? That is party fund. We’re not supposed to be audited for that. That is our private fund and it should not be subjected to an investigation,” she said.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Hindi naman namin kinuha yan sa [We didn’t get that from] Malacañang. We have our own accounts, we have our own funding, we have our own organization,” she added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Abante spilled the beans on Villarosa.
Abante said Villarosa made the call Monday after he was interpellated by Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero of the opposition about the money the Manila lawmaker was given.
“Girlie [Villarosa’s nickname] and she told me that ‘I’m the one who actually disbursed the funds,’” Abante said in a phone interview.
“Tinawagan niya uli ako kanina [She called me again today]. Sabi niya sa akin [She told me] that ‘the funds that were given to you and the other congressmen came from the party funds of Kampi’ and I told her ‘Ganun ba [Is that so]?’ Sabi ko na lang ‘salamat [I told her ‘Thank You’].’”
Abante said he was surprised to receive the money from Kampi since he was a member of Lakas.
“Hindi naman ako magka-Kampi. Pero hindi ko na kinuwestiyon. Pinag-iisipan ko na lang ngayon kung ibabalik pa o hindi. Kung ibabalik ko mapapahiya naman sila [I will not join Kampi. But I did not question it anymore. I am thinking however whether I should return the money or not. If I return it, they might get embarrassed],” said Abante.
Asked if Kampi’s admission would exonerate the President from bribery allegations, Abante said, “In a way, yes she will be.”
Arroyo had been accused of bribery after several lawmakers and even local officials admitted to receiving money from the Palace ranging from P200,000 to P500,000.
Reports said the money was in exchange for the officials’ support for Arroyo who is facing several impeachment complaints at the House.--------------------------------
What does it say? First, Villarosa belied all the efforts of the ULAP to cover up the bribery in Malacanan. Nagpalabas pa naman sila ng paid ads sa diyaryo.. This is interesting because the Governor of Occidental Mindoro, Nene Sato, was among the signatories of the said paid ads. So, this is now a case of Villarosa telling Sato the latter lied. Sa KAMPI naman pala talaga galing ang pera..
Secondly, si Villarosa, minsan-minsan na nga lamang ma-interview ng national media, controversy pa.. At di lang basta-basta controversy, moral controversy!!!
Lastly, hindi lamang alam ni Villarosa ang tungkol sa controversy... she's a part of it...
Kasalanan ko ito... Hindi ako gumawa nang mas higit pa upang di siya nanalo noong Mayo...
Deputy House chief: KAMPI gave 'cash gifts'
The deputy chief of the House of Representatives on Tuesday said that Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI), President Arroyo's political party, was the source of the "cash gifts" distributed to administration congressmen and some governors who attended a Malacañang meeting on October 11.Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa, the party's regional head, said that the P500,000 individually distributed to administration allies were sourced from KAMPI’s assistance fund.She said that the funds were intended for medical missions and funerals. She also said that the amounts given varied. She said some congressmen receiving amounts as low as P5,000.
"We really do this we have members who need help," she told ABS-CBN News correspondent Paul Henson.Villarosa said that Secretary Ronaldo Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in his capacity as KAMPI chairman, was aware of the cash distribution. He, however, was not told that it was scheduled in Malacañang, she said.
The deputy House chief added that she was the one who initiated the distribution inside the palace while the congressmen were convening since most of them were heading to their respective provinces for vacation following the congressional recess.
Despite her revelations, Villarosa did not name those who received the money except for Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. who earlier said that the money either came from Villarosa or KAMPI. Abante is a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
"Actually party funds… they gave it to me because I was going to the Middle East to help OFWs," Abante said.
Villarosa said that money was also given to other members of the administration coalition.
When asked if President Arroyo, one of KAMPI’s founders, knew of the distribution of money, Villarosa said that the Chief Execurive knew nothing of the cash gifts.
Villarosa defended her late admission, saying she knew that the truth would eventually come out in the end.
Opposition congressmen, meanwhile, said they are not satisfied of Villarosa’s explanation.
"Hindi sapat na si Villarosa at Abante lang, dapat pati si [Arroyo] (The statements of Villarosa and Abante are not enough, Arroyo should issue a statement too)," Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said.
The opposition urged the President to address the issue because the distribution of the cash gifts took place inside the palace.
---------------------------------
Inquirer.net (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=99156) has more substance.
Kampi gave cash gift to solons--party exec
The money that was given to congressmen in Malacañang last October came from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Partner of the Free Filipino), a party official admitted to INQUIRER.net Tuesday.
Deputy Speaker Ma. Amelita Villarosa of the House of Representatives and regional head of Kampi, issued the confirmation shortly after Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. identified her as the source of the fund that was given to him during the legislators’ breakfast meeting with the President at the Palace last October 11.
Arroyo founded Kampi, a member of the ruling coalition at the House, along with Speaker Jose de Venecia’s Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
Villarosa said Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Kampi chairman, knew about the disbursement but did not know that it would be distributed in Malacañang.
“Siyempre, chairman yun e. He [Puno] knows the disbursement pero hindi niya alam ang detalye, [Of course, he’s chairman. He knew about the disbursement but not the details],” Villarosa said in a phone interview.
“Tinawagan niya ako. Hindi ba dapat kay JDV [Speaker Jose de Venecia] manggagaling yun? E sabi ko nga, maliit naman yung galing sa kanya, P200,000 [He called me up. Isn’t the money supposed to come from JDV? But I told him that the money that would come from the Speaker was small, P200,000],” she said referring to the monthly allowance of House members.
Villarosa said she took it upon herself to distribute the money at the Palace because the legislators were leaving for their respective provinces for the congressional break.
“Kasi paalis na kami. E andun ako [in the meeting]. Instead na ako ang mamigay, pinabigay ko na lang [We were about to leave. I was there. So instead of me giving the money, I asked somebody else to give it],” she said.
She refused to identify those who had received the money except for Abante Jr., who had admitted to receiving P500,000.
Asked why Kampi would give assistance to Abante, a member of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Villarosa said it was because her party provided assistance on a case-to-case basis, whether they were with the administration or the opposition bloc.
“Yung humihingi, binibigyan naming [Those who ask, we give]. Pag Christmas season o kung may bagyo [If it’s the Christmas season or if there’s a typhoon], it’s normal to us. May assistance funds kami [We have assistance funds] but we don’t encourage them to come to us,” she explained.
“It’s a case-to-case basis, Sinasabi lang sa akin yung request, hindi naman kami kasi ganun ka pormal [The request is being forwarded to me. It’s not that formal]. Sasabihin sa akin [They’ll tell me], I need your help then I’ll tell them, let’s see. But that’s normal,” she pointed out.
Even opposition members sometimes also sought assistance from their party, Villarosa said.
In fact, Villarosa said some opposition members whom she did not name had even asked assistance from Kampi when they traveled to China recently.
In the case of Abante, Villarosa said she gave him money because he had a flock ministry and was leaving for Saudi Arabia that time.
Villarosa said she only came out now simply because they did not want all lawmakers to seek financial help from Kampi.
Asked why Kampi had allowed allegations of bribery to be heaped on the President, Villarosa said it was because they were confident that Arroyo would not be affected by the issue.
“Hindi naapektuhan ng ganyang news si Presidente [The President is not affected by news like that]. Focused siya sa economic reforms [She is focused on economic reforms]. Alam din naman naming [We also know] that the truth will come out later. We’ll just take the news as they come and it will end one day. Hindi kami agad nagre-react sa [We don’t immediately react to] newspapers. Anyway, it can be corrected later,” she said.
But Villarosa admitted that in passing, she had told the President about the disbursement.
When asked, however, why the President had ordered an investigation on the matter when she told her about it, Villarosa said, “Of course, she [Arroyo] has to do that.”
Villarosa insisted however that there was nothing irregular about the cash distribution and that there was no need for an investigation since the money was a private fund.
“What is the investigation for? That is party fund. We’re not supposed to be audited for that. That is our private fund and it should not be subjected to an investigation,” she said.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Hindi naman namin kinuha yan sa [We didn’t get that from] Malacañang. We have our own accounts, we have our own funding, we have our own organization,” she added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Abante spilled the beans on Villarosa.
Abante said Villarosa made the call Monday after he was interpellated by Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero of the opposition about the money the Manila lawmaker was given.
“Girlie [Villarosa’s nickname] and she told me that ‘I’m the one who actually disbursed the funds,’” Abante said in a phone interview.
“Tinawagan niya uli ako kanina [She called me again today]. Sabi niya sa akin [She told me] that ‘the funds that were given to you and the other congressmen came from the party funds of Kampi’ and I told her ‘Ganun ba [Is that so]?’ Sabi ko na lang ‘salamat [I told her ‘Thank You’].’”
Abante said he was surprised to receive the money from Kampi since he was a member of Lakas.
“Hindi naman ako magka-Kampi. Pero hindi ko na kinuwestiyon. Pinag-iisipan ko na lang ngayon kung ibabalik pa o hindi. Kung ibabalik ko mapapahiya naman sila [I will not join Kampi. But I did not question it anymore. I am thinking however whether I should return the money or not. If I return it, they might get embarrassed],” said Abante.
Asked if Kampi’s admission would exonerate the President from bribery allegations, Abante said, “In a way, yes she will be.”
Arroyo had been accused of bribery after several lawmakers and even local officials admitted to receiving money from the Palace ranging from P200,000 to P500,000.
Reports said the money was in exchange for the officials’ support for Arroyo who is facing several impeachment complaints at the House.
What does it say? First, Villarosa belied all the efforts of the ULAP to cover up the bribery in Malacanan. Nagpalabas pa naman sila ng paid ads sa diyaryo.. This is interesting because the Governor of Occidental Mindoro, Nene Sato, was among the signatories of the said paid ads. So, this is now a case of Villarosa telling Sato the latter lied. Sa KAMPI naman pala talaga galing ang pera..
Secondly, si Villarosa, minsan-minsan na nga lamang ma-interview ng national media, controversy pa.. At di lang basta-basta controversy, moral controversy!!!
Lastly, hindi lamang alam ni Villarosa ang tungkol sa controversy... she's a part of it...
Kasalanan ko ito... Hindi ako gumawa nang mas higit pa upang di siya nanalo noong Mayo...
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