Palace: Bishop’s witnesses have proved nothing

Malacañang downplayed yesterday the plans of Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan Oscar Cruz to present 14 new witnesses before a Senate inquiry investigating alleged jueteng payoffs to top officials.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye noted that none of the previous whistle-blowers presented by Cruz had given any direct evidence against President Arroyo.

"We can see that past witnesses presented by the good Archbishop against some members of the First Family have presented no direct evidence against the President," he said.

However, at least one witness, Sandra Cam, had testified that she delivered money from illegal gambling operations directly to the offices of Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, the President’s son, and Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

Bunye said allegations that people related to the President are linked to jueteng payoffs should be resolved in the proper forum.

"As for the allegations against some members of the First Family, they will be answered at the proper time in the proper forum," he said.

Malacañang earlier called for an end to the Senate inquiry, saying the jueteng issue had been sufficiently discussed in past hearings and the inquiry was turning into a venue for "character assassination."

Bunye earlier said the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice could handle the criminal aspects of the inquiry.

Presidential Political Affairs Adviser Gabriel Claudio reiterated the call to end the Senate inquiry, saying the issue had been thoroughly explored and should now lead to legislation, if any.

"We hope the Senate can determine the propriety and wisdom of terminating this based on testimonies already made available," he said.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said he was not surprised by Cruz’s new claims as he appealed for prudence on the part of Church leaders. — Paolo Romero