‘Mike A got P8 M from me’

Just before the Supreme Court threw out his petition for bail on his extradition case, embattled Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez took a last dig at the Arroyo administration by accusing First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo of receiving P8 million for a supposed charitable foundation.

Jimenez claimed he personally gave Mr. Arroyo two checks on separate occasions and five other checks that were received by "a friend" whom he did not identify.

Mr. Arroyo, however, denied the charges made by Jimenez, branding the neophyte Manila legislator "a liar."

Mr. Arroyo told The STAR he was "extremely disgusted" over the accusations hurled against him by Jimenez. "He (Jimenez) is really a liar. I rest my case," he said. Later, he added, "He has to make a public apology. He has to clear our names."

President Arroyo told reporters that Jimenez called her up expressing his intention to surrender. She said Jimenez even apologized over the phone.

But Jimenez later clarified that he was not apologizing but merely making the remark as a matter of courtesy.

"Ang sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Ma’am, pasensiya ka na sa mga nangyayari ngayon (What I said to her was, ‘My apologies for everything that is happening),’ " Jimenez said.

"Siya ang nagsabi nga na bakit ako humihingi ng paumanhin (She even asked why I was apologizing)," he said.

Jimenez said that in his talk with the President, she let on that Justice Secretary Hernando Perez would soon be out of the Cabinet. There was no immediate comment from Malacañang.

The congressman told reporters late Monday that he will reveal all the details on the P8 million he gave to Mr. Arroyo in a privileged speech scheduled yesterday.

Jimenez, however, was not able to deliver his speech at the House after learning that the Supreme Court ordered his arrest and denied him bail while his extradition case was being heard.

But in a television interview, Jimenez stood firm on his accusations against Mr. Arroyo.

"That was supposed to be my privilege speech this afternoon (yesterday). I decided to suspend it and disclose the facts later," Jimenez said in Filipino.

"I have yet to disclose these things but Mr. Arroyo has blurted out asking why I gave the P8 million to his foundation. Who is lying between us?" he asked.

Jimenez insisted the amount was not a bribe. "Just wait for my privileged speech," he said.

The First Gentleman explained that his name was not even mentioned among the board of directors of Lualhati Foundation, as was claimed. Lualhati Foundation, a registered non-stock and non-profit organization set up by supporters of the Arroyo couple to undertake charitable work and fund raising.

"If you sue this guy for libel, (Jimenez) would have to stay here. What will happen to his (extradition) case?" he asked.

Saying he is only fighting the cruelty of Malacañang and the Supreme Court, Jimenez disclosed that Mr. Arroyo has been the one working for his impending imprisonment "in connivance" with five SC magistrates whom he claimed, were recently appointed by President Arroyo.

He claimed the five justices had eventually ruled against his bail appeal.

‘MJ exposé a dud’

House Deputy Speaker for Visayas Raul Gonzalez branded the expose made by Jimenez as a "dud."

He explained there was nothing improper with the checks issued by Jimenez to Mr. Arroyo.

According to Gonzalez, the checks were given by Jimenez to Mr. Arroyo in 1999, when his wife was still vice president.

Gonzalez explained the checks had gone to Lualhati Foundation.

"I understand there were even official receipts for the checks given by Congressman Jimenez. I don’t think they issue receipts for illicit funds," he said.

Gonzalez said he was "rather puzzled" by the accusations of Jimenez considering the Manila lawmaker was a close friend of deposed President Joseph Estrada.

Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao also said Jimenez’s accusations were "too paranoid."

After learning that his petition was finally trashed by the high tribunal yesterday, Jimenez described the ruling as a "political decision."

"I lost six votes that were from the Arroyo appointees," Jimenez said.

Jimenez, however, said he is willing to surrender and negotiate a favorable deal with the US government regarding his case.

"Don’t worry, I’ll be back and this time, there won’t be an extradition attached to me," he said.

The congressman also recently accused Justice Secretary-on leave Hernando Perez of accepting a $2-million bribe to stop harassing him over his refusal to testify against Estrada.

Perez countered that Jimenez was fabricating the allegations to delay his extradition. - With reports from Marichu Villanueva, Marvin Sy, Mayen Jaymalin