Noy denies scolding Cabinet exec for accepting bribe money

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday denied reports that he scolded a Cabinet member for accepting P25 million from a foreign investor.

Aquino was reacting to the column written by former senator Ernesto Maceda who said the unnamed Cabinet member had returned the money to the foreign investor after getting a dressing down from the President.

Aquino said he would not know where the information came from but he gave assurance that he would fire and file charges against any of his officials engaged in corrupt practices.

“But if ever I had somebody, I got information that somebody received anything and I have enough evidence then that person would not have gotten a sermon. He would have not just gotten (that but) he would be facing charges,” Aquino said during a forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

“We cannot entertain... I think I can rightfully claim that nobody has ever dared to offer me anything of that nature. They know that I will probably pursue charges even for the attempt,” Aquino said.

Aquino said his style of governance is based on trusting the people working for him.

“When I lose trust in a person, which means I have suspicions but perhaps there was not enough evidence to warrant the filing of charges, that person is no longer part of our administration,” he said.

Some Cabinet members also said Tuesday they were not aware of any such incident and that it could be what they called “intrigue.”

Knowing the President, they said he would fire any Cabinet official caught accepting money from investors.

They said the President would not condone such an action, especially if the money was accepted already.

“How could you trust that person again if the money had been accepted?” one remarked.

Aquino stressed he would not hesitate to press charges against any of his officials if evidence would warrant such action.

Aquino warned his officials of the consequences of accepting any bribe.